#The weather's not great so take an umbrella and sunscreen

[nuzzle]

how do you manage your style when its really hot outside?

this is such a fun question!! i don't do well with heat at all, so i have a bunch of suggestions for wearing lolita when it's hot and humid.. some of which may be a bit obvious, but hopefully they'll be of some help for you!

i'll include my full answer under this "read more" cut because i think it'll get a bit lengthy.

choosing your outfit

as for your clothes, avoid fabrics and materials like polyester and velveteen when the weather is hot. polyester tends to trap heat underneath it, and velveteen is far too thick and heavy. it's better to opt for breathable cotton and thinner materials like chiffon. i especially recommend cotton bloomers.

short sleeve blouses, cutsews, tank tops, or short sleeve OP are better for keeping cool. many people are against the "blouseless/showing shoulders" rule, but it's more of a guideline.. if you're not throwing every guideline out the window at once, it still reads as lolita.. especially when the weather is extreme and permits it! a JSK without a blouse could definitely work and look great when coorded mindfully. i personally find that JSK with detailed straps and a babydoll cut look the best if you intend on going blouseless.

a more layered petticoat is a lot hotter and stuffier in the heat, a more casual poof will keep you cooler.. though a hoopskirt will be best for avoiding contact with your skin (not a fan of these personally, but they do work!)

ankle socks and UTK will be a lot more manageable than OTK. you could even ditch socks altogether if you have a good pair of sandals that suit your coord!

if you have thick or long hair, it'll always be better to style it by putting it up instead of leaving it down. you should plan this accordingly for the type of style you're going for. for example, twin tails tend to be cute for sweet and sometimes old school substyles, while updo hairstyles would suit classic more.

planning your day

i recommend planning your day around a place indoors that will have AC, and also finding transportation with it.

absolutely limit your walking! walking a few blocks is fine, but if you're doing more than a minimal amount of walking you should definitely be taking breaks in between.

before leaving the house

sunscreen!! protect your skin from the sun, don't forget your hands, face and neck.

absolutely don't skip deodorant if you're someone who sweats!!

if you have hair that doesn't do well in the humidity, use anti frizz products. if your hair gets messy, falls apart, and doesn't hold a style.. use a hair styling stick!! i can't recommend this enough for those who have bangs. doesn't have to be these products exactly, these are just what i use.

i apply one pump of olaplex on the ends of my hair (like the bottom 7 inches of it or so) while it's wet and gently massage it in. i spray the IGK good behavior spray all over very generously, but especially around my bangs and the roots of my hair. once my hair is dry and styled, i spray a bit of hair spray and lightly brush through. to completely set it, i apply this &honey matomake stick to my bangs (brush through like it's mascara) you can use a lot, it doesn't make them oily at all.. totally makes them stay in place for a long time. if you have very unruly bangs, i suggest using it on the underside of your bangs as well.

if you wear makeup, be sure that you're prepping your skin properly beforehand with skincare suited to your skin type and a good summer proof primer and setting it after with a reliable setting spray. opt for waterproof products if you sweat often!

things to carry with you

if you're going to be in the sun, a parasol will help out tremendously. make sure it's one with a UV cut effect for the best results. my go to one is the "frill millefeuille umbrella" by angelic pretty!

always take water with you!! be sure that you're drinking often.

i take a foldable fan with me. you just charge it overnight with a USB and throw it in your purse when it's time to go. it also doubles as a charging battery for your phone and a flashlight! looks small and wimpy but it has two settings and the more powerful one definitely makes a difference.

touch ups

a big part about going out in the heat wearing lolita is upkeep and touch ups, especially if you're going to be out of the house for a long time. personally, i carry around these items.. but you should of course tailor this to exclude products you don't think you'll need, everyone's different!

a mirror travel size mini dry shampoo (great for extra long days in the heat, especially if your bangs tend to get oily quick, while the rest of your hair doesn't) foldable comb (bang touch ups) blotting sheets (i have combination skin and my T zone gets oily quite fast in the summer. amazing for your forehead, since it's touching your bangs and could be making them oily quicker) compact powder puff (makeup touch ups)

#this is just off the top of my head so i might have forgotten some LOL #and sorry for the late answer!! #asks #lolita resources #lolita fashion #egl

[angel-lopes2000]

Hi. If it's not a problem could i get brick teaching Carrie how to swim since her mom never thought her that? Im sure it would be fun

Beach Time - Now you're gonna do the swim.

Bedroom. Carrie was asleep tenderly, wrapped around those warm blankets and holding the pillow to enjoy the softness from those cottons inside the fabric, the blonde girl was so sleepy that Brick even felt sorry to wake but it was time and he wanted to take her for the beach. The brunet tried to wake her slowly by shaking her shoulders.

"Carrie.. Carrie, love... Wake up.." He whispered on her ear. The blonde frowns and mutters, rolling over onto her right side.

"Oh daddy. Just some few seconds...'' He giggled silently "Poor little creature.. And hey! I'm not that older that like this. ''Daddy''?? You silly one.''

"Honey, get up..." Approaching his nose against close her ear, the boy smiled, sharing little kisses, making the girl to blushing and grinning from those affections. The blonde finally opened the eyes and sat, stretching during the yawning.

"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty!" He rub his nose against hers and kissed her lips. Carrie giggled and shared back the tender kiss. "Good morning, Bricky."

"Did you sleep well?" He caressed her cheek, sliding two fingers delicately.

"Aaah… I've never had such wonderful nights before. Just having you in my arms is everything to me." She confirmed, resting her head under her pillow-like arms. Happy with his lover's affirmation, Brick holds her with his hands on her hips and kisses her romantically, with Carrie putting her hands on his cheeks.

"So, would you like to go the beach with me? I can teach you how to swim.'' The couple stare at each other as the boy slides his fingers across the girl's cheeks.

"That sounds like fun." She smiles sweetly.

"Great!" Exclaimed the excited boy, who held the girl on his lap and they prepared to leave the house. After organizing all the preparations and wearing all the bathing suits under their normal clothes, as well as bringing a few extras. A few hours into the trip, Carrie was reading some magazines and gossiping with Brick about the things that happened to celebrities while the boy kept laughing at the silly and absurd situations the interviewers talked about.

"Here we are, honey!" When they arrived, the beach was quiet but there was a considerable movement of people around. Civilians chatting, eating ice cream, playing any kind of sport or just enjoying the sun. The atmosphere was as familiar and relaxing as the waves that lapped gently against the endless grains of sand.

At first, Carrie was startled to come across several girls wearing slightly more revealing bikinis and felt a little embarrassed to reveal her swimsuit, preferring to cover up with a large shirt that had previously belonged to Brick. As for the boy, he simply loved feeling the stratospheric rays coming into contact with the pores of his skin. And so, the couple set about enjoying the beach weather, with Brick finishing with parasol umbrella and the girl sitting down over the blanket to read a book while probably having an ice cream.

But this was a far cry from Brick's original plans, as he wanted to teach his beloved how to swim and was as excited as a child at an amusement park.

Of course, first of all, the couple protects themselves with sunscreen. When it was Brick's turn, the brunet made sure to take care, massaging both the back and arms and legs of his beloved's delicate body.

"That feels so good…" She commented as she rested from all those protective touches, but this was interrupted when the excited Brick asked her about swimming in the sea with him. At first, Carrie seemed a little insecure about never having learned in her life. But concerned about the boy's joy, the blonde swallowed her fear and got into the water with him.

At first, Carrie and Brick played of ''tag, you're it'' and splashed water at each other, like two grown-up children. Initially, Brick taught them to hold their breath for a few seconds to learn how to dive, Carrie didn't struggle. But that changed the moment Brick taught her about flapping her feet while moving her arms. The waves, which had been peaceful, began to crash more aggressively, making it almost impossible to stay upright.

"Bricky, help! I'm going to drown!" Brick swam as fast as he could to rescue the girl's body in time. Scared to death, the blonde ended up drowning and fainting because she couldn't hold the water in her body.

Holding the girl's body tightly, Brick wrapped her in his arms and swam quickly back to the sand. First, the boy pressed his wrists together to make the girl's heart beat normally, he did this after remembering that he had to do it to the rhythm of Bee Gees' Stayin' Alive. After a lot of concentration, Carrie began to spit out all the remaining water and finally, he held her nose and gave the blonde a mouth-to-mouth breath that lasted for a few more minutes. Thanks to this, Carrie proceeded to vomit all the salt water onto the sand.

"Are you okay, my love?'' He asked her, gently resting his hand on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry, love. I didn't mean for you to get hurt." The boy said, still feeling a little remorseful about having been so excited about the idea that he didn't think about the risk of his beloved ending up drowning. As comfort, Carrie forgives him with a kiss on the cheek and a loving hug. And later, Carrie and Brick found themselves among the surface, building some castles while still enjoying some ice cream.

The End.

#carrie white #carrie 1976 #oc x canon #short story

[rabbitcruiser]

Don’t Fry Day 

Be aware of the dangers of sun exposure and try hosting an indoor picnic or movie marathon on the Council for Skin Cancer Prevention’s No Fry Day.

Although it might sound more like a dieter’s mantra, Don’t Fry Day is actually not about eating healthy food. Instead, the day is an initiative of the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. So get that SPF sunscreen on hand and get ready to celebrate Don’t Fry Day!

History of Don’t Fry Day

Since the beginning of time, the sun has been critical for human life on planet Earth. Without the sun, people would literally freeze to death! But, less dramatically, people who do not get enough exposure to sunlight can have health problems such as Vitamin D deficiency and decreased serotonin. Lack of sunshine has also been linked to other health problems such as bone problems, skin problems, weight gain, depression, some cancers and more.

With that in mind, it’s important to remember that this day is not about making sure that people don’t get any sun exposure at all! The purpose of Don’t Fry Day is just what the name says – be careful not to get a sunburn.

The Skin Cancer Foundation, National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, and other important organizations have made it clear that getting a little sun is good, but getting too much sun, or a sunburn, can be dangerous. Especially if sunburns are repeated over and over again. In fact, sunburn is a leading cause of a few different forms of skin cancer, including the most deadly one, melanoma.

The great news is that sunburn is completely preventable! And that’s why Don’t Fry Day was established by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, to raise awareness for the various actions that can be taken to protect and prevent children and adults from too much exposure to the sun.

Situated just in advance of the warmest months of the year, at least in the northern hemisphere, Don’t Fry Day offers a kind reminder each year for people to be careful and take care of their skin health!

How to Celebrate Don’t Fry Day

Try out some of these ideas for celebrating Don’t Fry Day:

Use Sunburn Precaution Tactics

With the days of tanning and basking in the sun all day long behind us, the words on everyone’s lips these days might be something along the lines of ‘slip, slop, slap and wrap’. This little mantra can be a great encouragement for sun worshippers to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen (SPF 30 and above is ideal), slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses.

Throw Out Old Sunscreen

One important thing to remember is that sunscreen can lose its effectiveness after sitting for a while. So be sure to check the expiration dates on bottles of sunscreen and throw out anything that is too old to be effective. If there’s not a date on the bottle and no one in the family can remember when it was purchased, then it’s probably time for it to go!

Teach Kids About Sun Exposure

Don’t Fry Day is a great opportunity to teach kids about being sun smart in a light-hearted way. Sure, a little sunburn might not feel like the end of the world just one time, but kids need to know that prolonged exposure to the sun without protection, especially in certain areas of the world, can be a health risk. So perhaps parents and teachers can try to make the education about Don’t Fry Day a bit fun and talk about ways to avoid becoming a lobster and living in the pain of sunburn through prevention and protection methods.

Host an Indoor Activity

Rather than staying out in the sun all day, why not celebrate by holding an indoor picnic and having a movie marathon for at least part of the day? Or if the weather’s nice, grab some friends, get a beach umbrella, and have some sun-smart fun in the great outdoors. Just remember to follow the rules: slip, slop, slap and wrap between the hours of 10 and 4!

Source

#Sonoma #Bellagio - Las Vegas Luxury Resort & Casino #Paradise #Utah #Louis M. Martini Winery #Hall Winery #Ram's Gate Winery #travel #USA #vacation #summer 2022 #landscape #countryside #rest area #rental car #original photography #cityscape #Nevada #Colorado #California #Don’t Fry Day #Friday before Memorial Day #26 May 2023 #DontFryDay #in the shade #baseball cap

[nat-tea-n-coffee]

Tips on Surviving Tripple Digit Heat Waves

By A South Florida Local

1. DRINK WATER

I know everyone else says this already, but it bears repeating, DRINK WATER. No, more than that. Get an insulated water bottle, a straw if that’s your fancy, and keep that full and on you at all times. (I like to throw some fruity type herbal tea into the bottle for flavor). Try to have fruits and vegetables that have lots of water, and don’t worry too much about avoiding salt because you do need some for those electrolytes. 

2. Shade and airflow are your new best friends because...

Channel your inner little ole lady and avoid sunlight like a vampire. Umbrellas will often double as great parasols. Hats with wide brims are excellent AND fashionable. If you’re going to carry around a hand fan (which I super recomment, the bigger the better) make sure to only fan yourself languidly, lest your overwork yourself and just increase the overall heat in your body. Beach umbrellas are not just for the beach, they work fine in a back yard or park too. If you’re feeling crafty you can probably rig up some awnings to extend shade over your windows. Remember that shade kinda works cumulatively, the more you have, the less time the air is in the sun, the longer it has to cool before getting to you. 

3. Eat light, avoid heavy, rich foods. 

Try to eat lighter foods that have more water in them like fruits and veggies. Cucumbers are especially good because they’re basically 70% water, 20% fiber, 10% electrolyte. Stuff like red meat, red wine, high fats foods, anything that would give you gout pretty much, puts a toll on your digestive system and works to warm you up. Now is the time to find out what all the hype around gazpacho is about. What the hell is an acai bowl? Refreshing is what it is. Go patronize your local thai restaurant, they know how to make food appropriate to this weather. 

** Extra tip! Take you favorite juice, or tea, or whatever, put it in a mold or a cup with a stick in it throw it in the freezer, boom, cheap, low sugar popsicles.  Keeps the little ones entertained, and if you make it with some chicken broth you can give it to the pups. 

4. Dress in LOOSE, LIGHT, and NATURAL clothes.

Think of how the native folks of naturally hot and humid climates tend to dress. Big Native american Ribbon Skirts and Poofy blouses, the loose baggy pants of a salwar kameez, the incredible volume and colors of a hatian quadrille. Contrary to instinct, you actually want longsleeves in sunny weather to keep the deadly UV rays off your skin. Layers should be minimal though, and as little polyester as you can manage. Linen is best with cotton being the next best.  Silk and leather are horrible and will basically turn you into a human green house. (I know a lot about wool in theory but little in practice. Probably still a good option if you’re out by the water). Avoid dark colors as they absorb a lot more heat that they will then keep directly across your skin (ouch).  If you’re a goth who only dresses in black wool, go get a nice-ish cotton/linen bed sheet, and go to this  link and help bring the ancient greek chiton back into style. Once you’re done with it you can still use it as a bed sheet. 

5. External Water.

if you can get off to the coast for a bit, I would recommend it.  Coastal areas tend to have the sea breeze, and the ocean is good at absorbing heat, plus being able to submerge yourself in water will help you cool off.  If you can’t get to a beach, a little tub of water just enough to dip your feet into will go a long way. And as many people other than me have already pointed out, a wet towel across the back of the neck can work wonders. 

6. Bonus Bits

- As obvious as drink water, but wear sunscreen. You can sunburn bad enough to give yourself a fever, this is especially true with CHILDREN. 

- Speaking of children and any other smol creatures in your care, DOUBLE EVERYTHING ABOVE. They are tiny and so everything happens to them MORE. See #3 for popsicle ideas. 

- Avoid energy drinks, if iced coffee or extra strong tea won’t get you through the day then it’s not worth the kidney damage. 

-outside is not your enemy if your house is built like an oven.  remember, you need SHADE and a BREEZE. If you don’t have your own, store bought is fine. 

-libraries and museums tend to be temperature controlled. support your local institutions

- avoid being outside/in the sun during the hottest part of the day (normally 3-5ish), and if you’re going to be out and about, night time is best. 

- Keep your hair off your neck, just trust me. 

#Heat wave #european heatwave #heat wave tips #signal boost #tripple digit heat wave

[dreamlandsystem]

Our system is very warm blooded. We tend to overheat in 80° F weather - our autism makes being hot sensory hell! Here’s some stuff you can do to keep cool; it’s been really hot lately and it’ll probably continue to be that way for the next couple months!

Stay hydrated! This one is a no-brainer and the most important thing! We have a water bottle we keep in our fridge so it’s always cold, and we always keep it topped off. We also use it to refill our pets’ water bowls, so they can have cold water in the afternoon when it gets really hot

Keep frozen treats around! A popsicle or ice cream sandwich can work wonders when coming inside from a really warm day. Be sure to eat it slowly so you don’t get a brain freeze! Our syskids like to eat frozen peas and frozen grapes - you can have all sorts of frozen treats if you get creative!

Take a cool bath or shower! This can help lower your body temperature and keep you feeling cooler longer.

If you have long hair, keep it tied up or maybe get a haircut! We have short hair, but back when we had longer hair, it always kept the back of our neck hot and sweaty 😖 Having shorter hair or keeping it tied back and away from your skin absolutely can help keep you cooler in the summer months!

Eat cold foods and things you can make without an oven/stove. Having the oven or stove on can heat up your living space, even if your air conditioner is running! Now is definitely the time for sandwiches, cereal, salads, and other cool meals that you don’t need to heat up.

Never underestimate the power of a cool wet rag on the back of your neck or your other warm bits!

Keep your blinds and curtains closed! The sun streaming through a window can really increase the temperature inside. If you’re able to, maybe hang blankets over your windows to keep the light (and heat!) from getting in

Wear light, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton, and avoid layering outfits! If you bind, please remember to take lots of breaks (even just a quick moment to breathe in the bathroom would help) - binding in the heat can be much worse than binding in cooler weather!

Plan indoor activities. If you want to go out, go to an aquarium, the mall, or a museum (please remember to mask up!). Visiting somewhere indoors can be a great way to get out of the house without overheating!

Use fans! Place a bowl of ice between yourself and a fan at home, and it’ll help keep you cooler. You could also get a fan to plug into your phone that can help keep you cool while you’re out and about!

Stick to the shade (and off of the pavement!). When going out, choose routes that have more shade access and less pavement (especially if you have dogs - hot pavement can hurt a dog’s paw pads!). Maybe bring an umbrella with you to help shade yourself from the sun!

Create a designated cool room. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, creating a designated cool room will really help, especially during the hottest time of day! In this room, make sure you’ve covered the windows with dark material to keep out as much light as possible. If you can, place a portable cooling unit or some sort of fan inside. This way, you can trap the cool air inside the room - it’s easier to cool down one room than a whole home! Sleep on top of some blankets on the ground with only a thin sheet for cover - heat rises, so you’re more likely to feel cool if you lie close to the floor!

Play in the water! We bought a little plastic pool for like $8 from Target for our littles and our dogs to play in. Dance in the sprinklers, splash around in a little pool, or have a water fight! See if your community has a pool, lake, creek, or splash pad that you can cool off in. Remember to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water if you’re going to be outside!

Create a cross breeze at night. If your house has been getting warmer throughout the day, at night open two windows on different sides of your home. By one window, place a fan that points inward towards the rest of the house. In the other window, place a second fan that points outside. This will help pull in cool air while pushing stale warm air out of your home. If you have a home exhaust fan, it pretty much does this same thing!

There’s definitely more things you can do to help stay cool, but we just wanted to share a few tips! Remember to Stay Hydrated and take care of yourselves and each other! Try not to push yourself to hard and remember to take breaks - autumn will be here before you know it!

#sys.txt #keeping cool #we’re always overheating and we saw it’s getting hot in the world so uh #we wanted to put this together! #🌸💚👻

[sughoshperur]

Tadiadnamol Trek: Discovering the Splendor of the Western Ghats

Introduction

Nature has a magical way of captivating our hearts, and for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, trekking is an ideal way to immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors. India, with its diverse landscape, offers a plethora of trekking opportunities, each with its unique charm. One such gem hidden in the heart of the Western Ghats is the Tadiyandamol Peak Trek, a mesmerizing journey that takes trekkers through lush greenery, misty mountains, and enchanting valleys. In this blog, we'll explore the Tadiandamol Trek and the experiences that await those who dare to embark on this unforgettable expedition. Let me take you through our journey of Tadiandamol.

The Jewel of Coorg

Tadiandamol, standing tall at an impressive altitude of 5,735 feet, is the highest peak in Coorg. Also known as Thadiyandamol, the name translates to "large mountain" in the local Kodava language. Nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats, the trek to the summit of Tadiandamol promises breathtaking views and a chance to be one with nature.

Preps for the Break

Pack light, have a backpack of minimum weight as much as possible, so you don’t get tired quickly because of the bag’s weight. Carry hat, sunglasses, sunscreen with you to protect yourself. Carry rain gears like jacket, umbrella because you can’t say when it rain in tadiandamol. A first aid kit is a must during a trek. Wear warm clothes. Carry amole amount of water and protein bars or chocolates.

The Journey Begins

We start our trek from Kakkabe, which is the starting point of the trek. It is a small village at the base of Tadiandamol Hills, iteasily accessible from the nearby towns of Madikeri and Virajpet. The base camp serves as a delightful retreat, surrounded by coffee plantations, vibrant flowers, and serene streams. Trekkers often spend the night in tents, preparing for the adventure that lies ahead.

The Trekking Trail

As the first rays of the sun pierce through the misty sky, we set out on our expedition. The trail took us through the dense forest, offering a soothing shade and an opportunity to witness the biodiversity of the Western Ghats. The trail is adorned with the beauty of blooming rhododendrons, aromatic eucalyptus trees, and the calls of exotic birds.

The initial part of the trek involves a steady climb, making it suitable for all kind of trekkers. As we moved further, the terrain became more difficult, with occasional steep sections that demand determination and perseverance. Along the way, we found numerous natural springs provide refreshing pit stops, rejuvenating us for the onward journey.

The Enchanting Ambiance

One of the most captivating aspects of the Tadiandamol Betta is the ever-changing weather. The altitude and the region's topography create an enchanting ambiance of mist and clouds, adding an ethereal touch to the surroundings. At times, the entire landscape is blanketed in a veil of fog, transforming the trek into a mystical adventure. We witnessed, as the sun shines through the gaps, it creates a play of light and shadow, painting a masterpiece in the heart of the Western Ghats.

Reaching the Summit

After hours of trekking, crossing streams, and navigating through the wilderness, we reached the pinnacle of one of the highest peak in Coorg. The feeling of standing atop the highest point in Coorg is truly exhilarating. The panoramic view from the summit is simply awe-inspiring, with the lush valleys and rolling hills stretching as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, one can even catch glimpses of the Arabian Sea in the distance.

Preserving the Wilderness

While exploring the wilderness, it is crucial to maintain a delicate balance between adventure and conservation. Responsible trekking practices play a vital role in preserving the beauty and ecology of the region. Trekkers are encouraged to follow the principles of "Leave No Trace," ensuring that they carry back all their waste and refrain from damaging the fragile ecosystem.

Conclusion

The Tadiandamol Trek is a delightful journey that offers a profound connection with nature and an opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of the Western Ghats. From the moment we set foot on the verdant trail to reaching the summit and soaking in the breathtaking vistas, the entire experience is nothing short of magical. The trek to Tadiandamol peak Coorg was a soul-stirring adventure that leaves an indelible mark on the heart, reminding us of the raw beauty and wonder that nature beholds. So, if you are ready to embark on a trek that will both challenge and enchant you, head to Tadiandamol and let nature unveil its splendor one step at a time.

FAQ’s

What is the best time to trek in Tadiandamol?

Best time to trek is between October and February. During this period you can witness lush greenery around you.

What is the time duration of the tree?

It usually takes 9 hours up and down. Around 5 hours ascend and 3-4 hours of descend.

What is the total distance of the trek?

The distance is of about 15 kilometers trekking upto the summit and back to the base.

Is there any age restrictions for the trek?

Yes, any one above age of 10 years can join the trek.

Is it safe to trek during monsoon?

It is not recommended to trek during monsoon, because the trail becomes slippery and it would be difficult to trek.

To explore more places to trek around Bangalore, click the link below.

https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-guide/best-treks-near-bangalore

#tadiyandamol peak trek #tadiandamol hills #highest peak in coorg #tadiandamol peak coorg #tadiandamol betta

[kevinszabojrplumbing]

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Chill Spot for an Amazing Summer

With the arrival of summer, it's time to take advantage of the great weather and create a delightful outdoor chill spot. Whether you have a spacious backyard, a cozy balcony, or a tiny patio, designing a comfortable and inviting space can provide the ideal setting for relaxation and enjoyment during the sunny days ahead. In this article, we will guide you through the process of building an outdoor chill spot that will be the envy of all your friends and a sanctuary for relaxation.

Assessing the Space:

Before embarking on your outdoor chill spot project, carefully evaluate the available space. Consider the size, shape, and specific features of your outdoor area. Determine if you have a sunny or shaded spot, as it will influence your choice of seating, plants, and other elements. Take note of any existing features, such as trees, walls, or fences that can be incorporated into your design.

Comfortable Seating:

One of the essential aspects of an outdoor chill spot is comfortable seating. Choose seating options that suit your space and personal style. Whether it's a cozy hammock, lounge chairs, or a sectional sofa, opt for weather-resistant materials that can withstand outdoor conditions. Adding plush cushions and throw pillows will enhance comfort and add a touch of color and coziness.

Shade and Shelter:

To create a comfortable space, consider incorporating shade and shelter elements into your design. This can be achieved through various methods, such as installing an umbrella, awning, or pergola. These additions not only provide cover from the sun but also create a defined area for relaxation. You can also explore options like shade sails, canopies, or even strategically placed trees for a natural shade solution.

Ambient Lighting:

As the sun sets and the cool evening breeze arrives, ambient lighting can transform your outdoor chill spot into a magical oasis. String lights, lanterns, or solar-powered path lights can create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Greenery and Landscaping:

Adding greenery and landscaping elements can elevate the aesthetics of your outdoor space. Plant colorful flowers, create potted plant arrangements, or install vertical gardens to add a touch of nature. Consider using plants that thrive in your climate and require minimal maintenance. Additionally, incorporating natural elements like a water feature or a small pond can create a soothing and serene environment.

Entertainment and Ambiance:

To make your outdoor chill spot even more enticing, consider integrating entertainment options and ambiance-enhancing features. Install a Bluetooth speaker system for your favorite tunes or set up a small outdoor theater with a projector and screen for movie nights under the stars. Fire pits or portable grills can add an inviting touch and allow for cozy gatherings and enjoyable outdoor cooking experiences.

Finishing Touches:

Finally, add the finishing touches that reflect your personal style and create a cohesive look. Decorative elements such as outdoor rugs, vibrant cushions, and art pieces can infuse personality into your space. Consider incorporating an outdoor bar cart or a mini-fridge to keep refreshments within reach. Don't forget to add functional elements like side tables, storage solutions, and a reliable sunscreen to complete your outdoor chill spot.

Conclusion:

Building the perfect outdoor chill spot is an exciting project that will provide you with a sanctuary for relaxation, entertainment, and enjoyment throughout the summer months. By carefully assessing your space, selecting comfortable seating, incorporating shade and shelter, adding ambient lighting, introducing greenery, considering entertainment options, and adding finishing touches, you can create an inviting and stylish outdoor haven. So go ahead, unleash your creativity

#This Summer #Guest Author #Guest Blogger #Guest Contributor #Guest Post #Guest Writer #Best Ways To Prevent The Most Common Plumbing Problems #Plumbing Problems #broken pipes #leaking pipes #clogged toilets #garbage disposals #prevent drains from clogging #plumber in tinley park #tinley park plumbers #plumber in orland park #orland park plumbers #plumber in homer glen #homer glen plumbers #plumber in frankfort #frankfort plumbers #plumber in mokena #mokena plumbers #plumber in lemont #lemont plumbers #plumber in new lenox #new lenox plumbers #plumber in oak forest #oak forest plumbers #plumber in homewood

[vitashalavitamind3]

Seven Tips to Make Your Summer Healthy

The season of mangoes is coming soon! And, so is the season of heat and sweat. Our opinions about the season can definitely differ but our body requirements during the season are more or less the same. And, these requirements tend to be even higher during summer. 

Why does our body need extra attention during summer?

While summer is often seen as a season of relaxation, one needs to be more active and alert when it comes to their health. The scorching heat can lead to various issues like dehydration, sunburns and heatstroke. Also, bacterias and other microorganisms tend to grow more in summer due to warmer temperatures. If not taken care of, it can increase your chances of getting food poisoning. Additionally, there's a significant increase in pollens and other allergens during this time which can result in allergies. 

Tips to stay healthy during summer

Based on the above discussion, it is evident that there are high chances of you getting sick in summer if proper measures are not taken in advance. To avoid the same, here are a few tips that might be of great help to you:

Staying hydrated at all times

The summer heat absorbs more water from your body than usual. Also, you get more sweaty and release more water from your body during the season. This is why it is important to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated at all times. 

Protective clothing 

Wear clothes and hats that can protect you from the excessive heat. In addition, apply sunscreen to your body to minimize the effect of harmful ultraviolet rays as well as to maintain a healthy skin. 

Avoiding too much sunlight

Staying under direct sunlight for a long time can cause various issues like sunburn, heat stroke, and can also cause skin damage in the long term. Therefore, even though it's summer and you might feel the urge to go outside, avoid getting too much sunlight. 

Healthy & oil-free diet

Make sure to have a healthy and balanced diet throughout summer as it can be a bit draining for your body. Consume fruits and vegetables that are rich in water content. Also, it's preferred to eat light and oil-free food as the latter might lead to digestive problems.

Staying informed about the weather 

Check the weather forecast frequently and especially before going outside. If high temperature is predicted, it is better to bring an umbrella or hat with you. Also, carry a water bottle with you and keep sipping from it after regular intervals. 

Regular exercising

Be it any season, both indoor and outdoor exercises are beneficial for your body. But, if you're more of an outdoor person, then make sure that you keep your exercising hours in the morning or the evening. Avoid exercising during hours when the temperature is at its peak. 

Keeping a check on mental health

Different seasons have different impacts on the mood of the people. While summer can be fun for some individuals, it might be exhaustive, mind draining and gloomy for others. Therefore, it's better to take care of your mental health as well. 

While the list is endless, above-mentioned are a few points that you must absolutely consider. 

Are you ready?

Now that you are aware of all that you need to do, you can rest assured about having a healthy summer. Make sure to follow all the tips and if there's still any void, Vitashala is always there to fill that gap with its nutrients-rich supplements. Just the right dose for everything! Wishing you all a healthy and happy summer :)

#7 tips to stay healthy #healthy #health #vitamins #minerals

[thegreenvoyage]

10 Best Beach Clubs Athens (2023)

Summer is a great time to spend lazy days on the beach as the weather heats up. Whether you're in the mood for a delicious meal, a lively evening party, or just some peace, these clubs have you covered. Swimming, sunbathing, and sailing are offered at these clubs. If you’re looking for the perfect spot to spend a day (or ten) soaking up the sun and enjoying some cocktails, look no further than our list of the 10 best beach clubs Athens! Table of ContentsTop Categories of Beach Clubs in Athens Overview 1- Beach Clubs in Athens for Families 2- Beach Clubs in Athens to Party 3- Beach Clubs in Athens on a budget 4- Luxury Beach Clubs in Athens 5- Beach Clubs in Athens for Couples & Honeymoons Athens Quick Guide What are the top ten best beach clubs in Athens in 2023? 1. Mavili Beach Club 2. Terraza Rooftop Club 3. Astir Beach Club 4. Zen Beach Club 5. Bikini Beach Club 6. Akanthus Summer Club 7. Bolivar Beach Club 8. Holy Spirit Beach Club 9. Island Club & Restaurant 10. Lohan Seaside Beach Club Some Simple Ways to Enjoy Beach Clubs with Your Friends 1. Start early 2. Choose the right location 3. Choose a suitable dress code 4. Get a good sunscreen 5. Avoid alcohol 6. Stay hydrated 7. Enjoy the activities Athens Travel Essentials Conclusion Top Categories of Beach Clubs in Athens Overview If you’re looking for a fun-filled day on the beach, Athens has plenty of beach clubs to choose from. From family-friendly options to those with a more nightlife-focused vibe, there’s something for everyone. 1- Beach Clubs in Athens for Families Astir Beach Club is perfect for families looking for beach fun. With supervised swimming areas, a playground, and plenty of beach toys and games, there’s plenty for the little ones to do. Plus, the restaurant on site offers delicious food and drinks, so you can spend your day without worrying about packing lunch. 2- Beach Clubs in Athens to Party If you’re looking for a place to party all day, Bikini Beach Club is the place for you. Bikini Beach Club is the ultimate spot for a fun day, with a pool, cabanas, and plenty of bars and clubs. 3- Beach Clubs in Athens on a budget On a budget, those looking for a fun day at the beach should check out Mavili Beach Club. With a pool, beach bar, and plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas, Mavili Beach Club is the perfect place to spend a lazy day in the sun. 4- Luxury Beach Clubs in Athens Zen Beach Club is your place if you want a luxurious beach experience. Zen Beach Club is a beautiful and relaxing spot with its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscaping. 5- Beach Clubs in Athens for Couples & Honeymoons Holy Spirit Beach Club is just what you're looking for, whether you're looking for romantic beach days or a relaxing stay. With its soft white sand beaches, luxurious cabanas, and delicious food and drinks, Holy Spirit Beach Club is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Athens Quick Guide There are many things to do in Athens when you're on vacation, but it can take a lot of work to know where to start. Getting overwhelmed is easy when you have so many amazing attractions and neighborhoods to discover. That's where a good guide comes in handy. Please take advantage of your time in Athens by following our quick guide information. Stay in Athens: - KYMA Apartments - Athens Acropolis 7 - Bespoke House Athens - Aeiphoria Suits and Rooms - Athens - Cosmopolit - WYZ Athens Apartments by UPSTREET Getting Around - Buses, Trains, Taxi & Ferrys: 12go - To get around Athens, you can use buses, trains, taxis, and ferries. Buses and trains are the cheapest and most convenient ways to get around the city, but taxis and ferries are also great options if you're looking for a more personal experience. It is possible to reach all of Athens' major destinations through these modes of transportation. Car Rental: You can use Discover Cars to rent a car. Rental agencies have different prices and policies, and you can use any of them. Bike Rentals: Bikes are a great way to get around, and there are many bike rental (Bike Bookings) outlets in Athens. Tours: If you're looking for a guided tour of Athens, you can find great options through Viator and Get Your Guide. Both companies offer guided tours that are perfect for a more personalized experience. Both companies also provide various other services, so you can customize your trip to fit your needs. - Athens: Acropolis & Top Attractions Tickets with Audio Guide - Athens, Piraeus, and Coastline: Blue Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - From Athens: Guided Day Trip to Delphi and Arachova - Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon, & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour - From Athens: Full-Day Cruise to Aegina, Poros and Hydra What are the top ten best beach clubs in Athens in 2023? When looking for the best places to take in the Athens vibes in 2323, it's hard not to mention the beaches. Whether you're a fan of the sand and waves or love spending time in the sun, there's a beach club in Athens. Here are the ten best beach clubs athens: - Mavili Beach Club - Terraza Rooftop Club - Astir Beach Club - Zen Beach Club - Bikini Beach Club - Akanthus Summer Club - Bolivar Beach Club - Holy Spirit Beach Club - Island Club & Restaurant - Lohan Seaside Beach Club 1. Mavili Beach Club Mavili Beach Club is a luxurious spot for all your beach needs. Whether you're looking to spend a day by the water, catch a show at the beach club's club theater or relax in the sun, Mavili Beach Club has it all. The Athens beach clubs beautiful architecture and lush gardens are a perfect backdrop for a day at the beach. You can also take a swim in the pool or relax by the fire in the club theater. Whether you're looking for fun or relaxation, Mavili Beach Club has it all. You can play tennis, swim in the pool or enjoy a day at the beach. If you want a night out, you can also visit the casino and the cinema. Mavili Beach Club is perfect for a relaxing day at the beach. With everything you need right at your fingertips, Mavili Beach Club is the ideal place to spend a day in Athens. Address: Timoleontos Vassou 8, Athina 115 21, Greece Phone: [phone] Website: https://mavilibeach.gr/ 2. Terraza Rooftop Club The Terraza Rooftop Club is the perfect place to enjoy a summer night in Athens. With its stunning cityscape views, this rooftop club is ideal for a night of drinks and dancing. The Terraza Rooftop Club is a new summer concept from the team at the Playground. With its stunning cityscape views, this rooftop club is perfect for a night of drinks and dancing. The terrace is heated and has a great view of the city, making it the ideal place to relax and enjoy the summer weather. Address: Triptolemou 31, Athina 118 54, Greece Phone: [phone] Website: https://www.facebook.com/terrazaathens/ 3. Astir Beach Club Astir Beach Club is the perfect place to visit if you're looking for a picturesque getaway. Nestled on the Laimos Peninsula, this exclusive beach club is only accessible by invitation. With stunning views of the Aegean Sea, Astir Beach Club offers a range of amenities, including a heated pool, a spa, a range of dining options, and a private beach. With facilities that are in perfect condition and attentive service from the staff, Astir Beach Club is the perfect place to relax and enjoy yourself. The small designer boutiques and restaurants nearby make it easy to get your fill of Greek food and drink. Address: Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni 166 71, Greece Phone: [phone] Website: https://astir.gr/beach/ 4. Zen Beach Club Located on the cover of the Vouliagmeni peninsula, this beach club is perfect for all kinds of visitors. With a fully serviced beach and sunbeds, and umbrellas, Zen Beach Club is perfect for a lazy day on the sand. In addition to the beach, the club also has a large open space that leads onto the beach, perfect for picnicking. The restaurant here is renowned for its seafood and is always bustling with people. Reservations are highly recommended, as this club is always busy. Address: Νηρηίδες, Vakchou, Vouliagmeni, Ανατολική, Athina 166 71, Greece Phone: [phone] Website: https://zen-beach.gr/ Email: [email protected] 5. Bikini Beach Club Bikini Beach Club is located in the charming town of Loutra Alimos, just a short tram ride from the city center. This is a great choice for visitors looking for easy access to all the area offers. The beach here is beautiful and perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. There are plenty of sunbeds and parasols for guests to use, and a variety of activities and events are always in progress. Entry to the beach is always free, and there are plenty of ways to spend your day here. There's something for everyone, from a relaxing bath in the sun to relaxing on the sunbeds and enjoying some music in the sand. The beach club comes alive in the evening with concerts, wedding events, and loud parties. This is a great place to enjoy a summer night in Athens. Address: Απεναντι απο, Leof. Poseidonos 78, Alimos 174 55, Greece Phone: [phone] Website: https://www.facebook.com/bikinibeachbaralimos Email: [email protected] 6. Akanthus Summer Club A summer day at Akanthus Summer Club is ideal during the summer months. The venue is perfect for a fun-filled day with family and friends. The staff is professional and offers excellent service. The food is delicious and unique. The atmosphere is inviting and comfortable. Akanthus Summer Club offers a wide variety of activities. Whether you want to relax on the beach or venture indoors for fun games, there is something for everyone at Akanthus Summer Club. So come on down and enjoy some summertime fun at Akanthus Summer Club! Address: Leof. Poseidonos, Alimos 174 55, Greece Phone: [phone] Website: http://www.momentumgroup.gr/ Email: [email protected] 7. Bolivar Beach Club Bolivar Beach Club is likely the first place that comes to mind when it comes to the best beaches in Athens. With its stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and lush surroundings, this exclusive beach club is perfect for a summer day spent relaxing and enjoying the lovely weather. Bolivar Beach Club is a private beach with crystal-clear waters and panoramic views of Athens. The beach club has a private pool, sun loungers, parasols, and beach umbrellas. You can also enjoy a variety of refreshments and light meals while enjoying the splendid view. The sun-drenched sand and the crystal blue waters of the Aegean Sea will soothe and relax you, while the exquisite Mediterranean cuisine will tantalize your taste. Bolivar Beach Club is ideal if you're looking for a place to relax with your family. Address: Leof. Poseidonos, Alimos 174 55, Greece Phone: [phone] Website: https://www.bolivar.gr/ 8. Holy Spirit Beach Club Located on the Aegean Sea, Holy Spirit Beach Club offers panoramic views of the sea. The beach club features a lush green lawn, white sand beaches, and a lush garden. The bar offers a variety of cocktails and alcoholic drinks, as well as light meals and snacks. The beach club is perfect for a relaxing day by the pool or a fun night out with friends. Holy Spirit Beach Club is the perfect place for you if you're looking for an athens beach club that is both luxurious and relaxing. Reserve your spot today and enjoy a day of paradise in Athens. Address: Ακτή ΕΟΤ, Athina 161 72, Greece Phone: [phone] Website: https://www.facebook.com/holyspiritbeachbar Email: [email protected] 9. Island Club & Restaurant The Island Club features many activities and attractions, perfect for all ages. There are plenty of pools and beaches to enjoy, as well as a range of restaurants and bars. A private island is available if you want something more private. Whether you're looking for a day of sunbathing and swimming or a night of partying and entertainment, Island Club & Restaurant has something for everyone. Enjoy some of the best weather Greece offers at one of the island's most delightful beach clubs. Address: 27th km, Athens-Sounio Avenue, 166 72, Greece Phone: [phone] Website: https://www.islandclubrestaurant.gr/ 10. Lohan Seaside Beach Club Lohan Seaside Beach Club is a revolutionary beach club designed to unite people through quality music and positive vibes. The club is located in the heart of Athens, Greece, and is easily accessible by public transportation. The club has an extensive beachfront property that offers stunning views of the nearby seaside villages and the Aegean Sea. The all-day and night club offers various activities and amenities, including a large dance floor, well-equipped bars, a heated pool, and lush gardens. Lohan Seaside Beach Club is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Greek scenery. Address: tram stop, Leof. Posidonos (Loutra, Alimos 174 55, Greece Phone: [phone] Website: https://lohanseaside.gr/ Email: [email protected] Some Simple Ways to Enjoy Beach Clubs with Your Friends Are you bored with spending a holiday alone? Enjoy beach clubs with your friends for a great time. Beach clubs are the perfect place to enjoy the sun, sea, and other things that can make your summer enjoyable. You will miss the amazing time if you have never been to a beach club. Here are some tips for enjoying beach clubs with your friends. 1. Start early The best part of beach clubs is they start early in the morning. So, you can start early to enjoy the activities and also you will have a great time with your friends. 2. Choose the right location You should choose the beach club which is located in a good area. The right location will save you money on taxis and other expenses. 3. Choose a suitable dress code You should wear comfortable clothing that fits your body. So, you don’t want to wear too many clothes, and you can wear shorts, jeans, and t-shirts. 4. Get a good sunscreen Most people don’t use sunscreen while playing on the beach. You should use sunscreen as the sun's rays can damage your skin and burn it. 5. Avoid alcohol Most people drink alcohol while at beach clubs. You can also have alcohol as it is part of the beach club experience, but don’t overdo it, as it will make you drunk. 6. Stay hydrated It is always advisable to stay hydrated, as drinking water keeps you healthy and relaxed. 7. Enjoy the activities You can enjoy the activities like swimming, boating, dancing, etc. Spending time playing this game is fun. Athens Travel Essentials Remember to arrange your flights, accommodation, transportation, and attractions in advance when planning your trip to Athens. Flights & Hotels Accommodation: When planning your trip to Athens, one of the first things you'll need to do is book flights and hotels. While many different options are available, we recommend using WayAway and Booking.com. Airport & Hotel Transfers: When arriving in Athens, you must take a taxi to your hotel. A Kwik Taxi is the best option for getting around Athens. They are reliable and affordable. Rental Services: You can rent a car with Discover Cars. Transport Services: Once in Athens, you must be aware of the local transportation options. 12go is a great app for accessing all of the transportation options in Athens and is affordable and easy to use. Attractions, Museums & Shows: When it comes to attractions, museums, and shows in Athens, you'll need to take advantage of Tiqets and TripAdvisor. Tiqets lets you buy tickets for various attractions, while TripAdvisor lets you find reviews of attractions and restaurants in Athens. Activities: If you're looking for activities in Athens, you can check out Viator and Get Your Guide. Viator offers a variety of activities, from walking tours to wine tastings. Get your guide provides activities such as city tours, beer tastings, and culinary experiences. Conclusion Enjoy the sun, relax, and have fun at the 10 Best Beach Clubs in Athens. These clubs are perfect for anyone looking for a place to enjoy the great outdoors and have a great time. Here are ten of the best beach clubs in Athens, from most popular to most recommended. Read the full article

[jackblogsthings]

What to Wear If You Want to Be Cool in New York

If you're planning to stay cool while in New York City, it is vital to choose the appropriate footwear. Flats are essential, as they provide comfort and fashion. Slip-on shoes made by Rothys are a fantastic option because they're fashionable and comfortable. If you're looking to look cool, think about wearing a hat that matches the weather. A hat can help you stay warm without being too hot and will add a splash of hue. Layered clothing is a favorite winter fashion choice for New Yorkers. Cable knit sweaters are popular among New Yorkers, as are soft wool t-shirts made of merino. Another favorite is an oversized blouse that can be worn with a tank-top. You can make yourself standout when you travel and in crowds by wearing colorful items. Contrary to popular belief there is no need to use neon colors all the time. A neutral color palette with a pop of color can look fresh and modern. Hats can make an outfit pop. Simple or vibrant Hats can add a touch of flair to your style and give you a chic style. Women in New York wear clothes that are feminine, yet sport an edgy look. A pair of tough boots are a great match with a long-sleeved top as well as a top. As opposed to women from other cities, New York women carry big bags and are always in motion. They are always engaged in yoga classes and many other things. New York City can be humid, even though summer months are typically warm and comfortable. Wear breathable clothes and make sure you take along water bottles. Temperatures can climb up to 85°F in the summer and remain between 27-29°C in the winter months. Short-sleeved casual jumpsuits are another great option. These dresses are practical and can add a summery vibe to any outfit. They are also a great pair with sneakers or flats. Also, think about a stylish backpack or crossbody bag to keep your hands free. The crossbody bags are ideal if you plan to shop a lot. It is advised to wear summer clothes for those who visit the city in the summer months. The city can be hot and humid during July, so select clothes that keep your cool. Try to find summer clothes that are light in color and light-colored, breathable fabric. The bright colors will reflect the sun's rays, which means your outfit will feel cooler. Avoid black clothing because this absorbs heat.

Sunglasses are essential accessories. Also, you should carry an umbrella and a bottle of water. These are essentials and an absolute must for all New Yorkers. Make sure you are at ease and enjoying yourself in New York City. If you're looking to appear cool in New York, be sure you bring plenty of sunscreen and water. Tank tops remain the most popular choice for casual dress. Tank tops can be sported anywhere and are a great option for women who are in the city. Make sure that they fit well! You could also choose the sundress, travel dress, or skirt for women. Simple outfits like these will enable the wearer to easily transition from day to night without adding weight. Think about adding a scarf your evening look. The humidity and heat can be particularly high during summer months, so pick clothes that let air circulate. Wear light-colored skirts with long slits, casual shoes, and a chic scarf top. You can pair your outfit with a compact bag to carry on the shoulder or with a unique cloth tote. You may choose a more formal dress for your evening. It should be made of an elegant fabric that does not fall below the knee. It should be a little more formal than a sundress however, it is not as formal as a ball gown. Dresses and party suits can be found at most department stores as well as online retailers. Daytime parties are best served with light suiting. You can also wear stylish tops and trousers, or a skirt to create an attractive look. Video embeds anchors:

#Fashion #New York Style #Clothes

[andrealonzochambers1]

Tips for First-Time Visitors to Germany

Keep these travel advice in mind if you're thinking about visiting Germany. On Sundays, most stores are closed, so make sure you bring Euros rather than cash. In addition, you should refrain from texting or discussing personal information with others while out at a restaurant or pub. Furthermore, Germany forbids the practice of jaywalking and walking in bicycle lanes. If you come across a suspicious person, avoid them or go for a secure location.

Make sure you do some study before you go to Germany. Discover the nation's history and culture. Understanding regional customs will help you better appreciate the culture. Learn about the travel needs as well, such as health and travel insurance. You might think about taking a probiotic or other food-allergen supplement if you have a sensitive stomach.

Pay attention to the weather. The three different seasons of summer, winter, and spring are observed in Germany. While springs are brilliant yellow and irritating to allergies, autumn and winter are lovely. Take advantage of the free museums and country walks if you wish to avoid the exorbitant fees connected with these seasons. But don't forget to give your guide a tip. Pack your raincoat because it's common to see tourists carrying umbrellas in Germany.

Driving is generally safe in Germany. The U-Bahn is a rapid means of transportation, although during rush hour, it can become packed. To travel the nation, you should also think about taking public transit. Trams are a great option in cities because they frequently move more quickly and don't worry about traffic. S-Bahn, the nation's rail system, is another option. Traveling in Germany will be more convenient if you use the S-Bahn.

Germany has a low crime rate. The nation, which has the greatest economy in Europe and is placed 22nd in the 2018 Global Peace Index, received 37 million tourists in 2017. Even if crime is not widespread, it is still crucial to be on guard. Watch out for pickpockets and inebriated pedestrians. However, if you speak their language, most people will be cordial and eager to help you. Additionally, there are numerous strategies to deter pickpockets.

Germans are renowned for being blunt and unapologetically honest. They dislike discussing their personal lives, money, and conflict, in contrast to Americans. Instead, they prefer to chat about their home country or events that take place there. Avoiding drinking tap water is another cultural guideline to abide by. Make sure to bring a water bottle if you intend to drink the tap water since Germans do not. In general, Germans work hard and arrive on time.

Another fantastic way to enjoy Germany's natural splendor is by hiking. The Black Forest and the Bavarian Alps are only two of the many hiking paths the nation offers. There are various hiking paths in Germany, whether you're searching for a strenuous trip or just want to get some exercise. Be sure to review your German words and phrases before visiting Germany. Germans aren't obnoxious, but they tend to be more reserved.

While it's typically safe for German women to be out and about, you should never stroll alone at night or in dimly lit regions. Keeping your valuables stowed up and apart from your luggage is another crucial safety measure to take. Given Germany's extremely low crime rate, this is especially crucial if you're visiting the nation alone. But it's always preferable to be safe than sorry.

Germany is a wonderful place to visit in May. Prices for hotels and activities will be lower as spring comes to an end. You can go to spring events as well as museums and city parks in Germany. Smaller cities are interesting to explore since they could contain magnificent churches and palaces. In addition, defensive walls still exist in medieval towns. So, make appropriate travel plans. Additionally, don't forget to bring sunscreen!

[katiemcgrath]

SHUKRI ABDI WAS 12 YEARS OLD. She was born and raised in a refugee camp. I can't imagine how her mother must have felt when she landed in the UK, when she sent her child to school, there must have been hope in her heart. Her babies would grow up safe, away from the conflict. And then to have to it all taken away.

That little girl was murdered. She was murdered by her classmate. Child one told her if she doesn't get in the water that they would kill her. They intentionally left her in the water, despite the fact she couldn't swim. They laughed as she drowned. They laughed as other children tried to save Shukri. They laughed when the other kids realised she was dead and called for help. They laughed until police arrived. The police are wrong, it was not an accident. What happened to Shukri, a little Somalian girl who deserved to grow up and live a happy life, was murder.

I'm tired of white children being coddled and told it's okay, they'll learn. This wasn't an accident, they were hurling horrific racist abuse at her for months.

Her dearest mother and siblings deserve justice. Shukri Abdi was murdered. Manchester needs to be in the streets screaming about this.

#UK politics #black lives matter #Please stay safe if you're going to the protests today #The weather's not great so take an umbrella and sunscreen

[daisiesonafield-blog]

COACHELLA 2022 TIPS & ADVICE

Before you go

Make a budget for each day - the festival is expensive, so it's easy to accidentally spend well over $200 in one day on food & drinks etc! Expect each meal to be about $20+

Make a plan with your friends - if phones die/get lost/stolen or if you get separated/lost, agree on a place to meet up! Make a plan to meet your group after the festival!

Cell service is bad at the grounds - you likely won't have service. Write down your friends' numbers, agree on a spot to meet up.

Prioritize what acts you want to see - work your schedule around that. Schedule here (weekend 1) and here (weekend 2 - TBA).

As with any big event, if you're in a position to buy a higher priced wristband, there are definite benefits - less crowded and closer stage pits, access to non-GA areas, closer parking with golf cart shuttle, etc.

What to bring

Baby wipes & hand sanitizer - it's dusty, sweaty, and crowded, with limited access to wash your hands and toilets run out of toilet paper!

Sunscreen - the desert sun is no joke, 100F degree weather, reapply every 2h to avoid burns. Pump or cream only. No aerosols.

Hat/Parasol - protect yourself from the sun! Umbrellas are not allowed!

Backpack/fannypack - no bigger than 20" x 15" x 9"

Warm change of clothes - desert weather means intense changes in temp. As soon as the sun goes down, temperatures plummet. Bring a warm jacket and pants to change into!

Water bottle/Hydration pack - the festival has water stations where you can refill your water! Has to be empty when entering. Only plastic bottles 40 oz or less.

Comfortable shoes - there's a lot of walking, bring something comfy and avoid heels!

Mask or bandana - it's very dusty and crowded, and sandstorms are likely, so cover your face!

Phone charger & battery pack - batteries can die quickly especially if you're filming a lot.

Fan/water mister - it's very hot, this is a great way to stay cool.

Check out their prohibited items list here.

When at the festival

Don’t party too hard on Friday - it's a 3 day festival, it's easy to tire yourself out.

Go to the medical/wellness tent if you feel bad - no judgement

Get merch early - you can rent lockers to keep your stuff safe. Reserve in advance here.

Beware of sun exposure - sun poisoning is no joke. There are tents with AC to help you cool down, find them, hang out there.

Explore the grounds when you get in - orient yourself so you know where each area/structure is

Check out the art installations

It gets EXTREMELY crowded at night - keep your friends close.

Be careful - try not to wander alone, there are many creepers that harass women and try to take advantage of drunk girls.

Keep your valuables safe - there are MANY pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Don't put your phone in your back pocket. Be careful if you're camping.

Take breaks, relax, explore! - it's not a race, have fun!

Bathrooms in the back have shorter lines, especially at night.

EAT & HYDRATE - There's a ton of food trucks and drink options so HYDRATE!

Thanks to everyone who sent in tips! I'll update this if I find additional advice!

#coachella tips #coachella 2022 #coachella

[star-lemonade]

Summer Rain

Astro Jinjin x f!Reader

Genre: smut, a bit of angst

CW: smut

Rating: R

Word count: 3 k

A/N: Not beta-ed. Little bit more angsty than my usual stuff but with a happy end ;)

Written for @whipped-kpop-creators event

“Let’s go to the beach.”

Jinwoo’s voice cut the deafening silence between you. The tone of his voice told you that he was insecure. Of course he was. You were still surprised that he had the audacity to ask you on a date after what he did, and now he asked to take you on a vacation? In the moment where you did not say anything the silence returned, amplified by the distant traffic and the conversations other people were having around you. The plastic table in front of the convenience store was really not the best date you had had.

“The beach?”

He nodded and stabbed at his noodles. The mostly full paper bowl was his excuse to not meet your eyes.

“My uncle has a small vacation home by the sea. Let’s go there next weekend.”

The last week had been the hottest week of this year. You had barely slept at night and you felt even more pissed at Jinwoo because of it. Jumping into the cold, salty water sounded like a dream. It had been ages since you had even seen the sea. Why not get something good out of a bad situation? You could just ignore him while you were at the beach. You sighed.

“Okay.”

A small smile followed the initial shock on Jinwoo’s face. You ate the last bites of your ramen.

“Awesome!”

Jinwoo beamed at you. His barely contained delight would have been cute at any other time. You stood up. Well tried to. The shorts you were wearing did not play well with the plastic chair and you stuck uncomfortably to it. You pushed it off and it felt back to the ground clattering.

“See you then. I will leave first.”

You did not care that much about anniversaries, but this was the first one. One year. Who would have thought you and Jinwoo would still be together? He was the friend of a former school classmate. The two had met at the company that they both worked at. Jinwoo smiled a lot. That is what had pulled you in in the first place.

When you had gone out for dates he always paid. It was so consistent that it was almost annoying.

“I have money too, you know?” You had half-jokingly said one occasion outside the restaurant. No need to have a scene inside with all people watching.

“I know and you can spend that on whatever you want. I want to spend mine on buying you the food you like.”

One time you actually managed to pay before he did. At the end of a meal he went to the bathroom and you seized the opportunity. You felt very accomplished afterwards. Jinwoo was surprised, but laughed at your mischievous grin.

“Jinwoo, it's our anniversary soon. You wanna go out?”

The message stayed on your phone unanswered for a day. Usually he texted back in a few hours. You began to wonder. Had something happened? Was he okay? You tried to go about your day as usual but you found your eyes wandering to your phone. No new messages.

“Everything okay?”

Maybe it was not the best thing you could do, but you just texted him again. This time you got an answer.

“Sorry, I was really busy at work and fell into bed afterwards. Yes, we can do something for our anniversary”

For the next few weeks you did not see or hear much from him. Your friend had told you that Jinwoo had been roped into a project by one of the high ups.

“I'm worried about you. You work too much :((”

You knew that the message would not get through to him. He was obsessed.

“I could get the promotion. Just a little longer.”

You did not believe that it would be done soon but it was not worth fighting over. After all you would see him in person soon. It would be easier to talk some sense into him when you were face to face.

On your anniversary you waited in front of the restaurant. The agreed upon time came and went. You called Jinwoo, but his phone was off. He had stood you up.

Friday afternoon had arrived and you had gotten off work early to pack. The weather forecast said warm temperatures were to be expected. So you packed shorts, a swimming suit and other light clothes. Sunscreen would also be important. A sunburn was the last thing you wanted to have right now. You suspected that Jinwoo would try to make it up to you with this vacation. After your anniversary he had apologized constantly, but you still felt hurt. Indeed it seemed more like this vacation would be a crossroads. Would you stay with Jinwoo or break up. Yes, you liked him a lot but he was so absent these days.

At 6 pm the door rang and you almost dropped the sun cream. You opened the door to shorts wearing Jinwoo. His smile greeted you from the hallway.

You took your bag and followed him to the car. Jinwoo had borrowed his brother’s car. In the trunk were some white plastic bags from the supermarket.

“I bought something to eat.”

Jinwoo smiled shyly. This trip was him trying to make it up to you for sure. You knew that, but you were not sure if you could forgive him. The day of fast paced working, trying to do as much as possible in the given time had left you exhausted. The sun warmed the car and with the sunglasses covering your eyes you fell asleep in the passenger seat. It felt as if only a minute had passed, when Jinwoo gently shook you awake.

“We are here. You can sleep in the house.”

It took you a moment to really arrive in the land of consciousness. The car was parked in a dirt driveway. Green grass covered the ground in front of the house. Jinwoo had already unloaded your bags and locked the car once you got out. The sun was still up and it was warm. You had expected to be able to smell the sea, but the air only carried the scent of freshly cut grass. The car was parked in the backyard of the house that was surrounded by other houses and gardens.

The house was smaller and bigger than you had imagined. It was a two story building but the floor area was not very big. On the inside the air was cool and you had the impression that the windows had not been opened in some time. Jinwoo gave you a tour of the house. The ground floor was the kitchen, the living room and a small bathroom. A door led into the garden that was basically a terrace with a narrow strip of grass in front of it. A fence separates the garden from the neighbors property. Upstairs were two bedrooms. The room Jinwoo had chosen as your room answered the question you had had about where the sea was. You could see the blue band on the ocean behind two rows of houses.

“It’s not exactly a beach house.”

“The beach is three minutes away on foot,” Jinwoo protested. He looked out the window at the sea over your shoulder.

“Do you want to go there?”

You looked at him, then at the water in the distance. It was getting late and the sun would set soon. You were a bit hungry already but the urge to see the big puddle was stronger.

“Yes, let’s go.”

The blue sky was obscured by clouds, when you left the house. A path lead between the houses down to the beach. You saw some people in the water and lying on the beach. As you got closer the smell of deep fried food caught your nose. A few restaurants and shops lined the promenade that separated the beach from the city. You turned right and walked along the cobbled promenade. Jinwoo walked beside you, not saying anything. In the distance you could see a few boats gliding on the sparkling water. Further towards the direction you were walking in was the harbor. A lot of smaller boats and yachts waited for their owners.

“I got the promotion.”

You tensed. As a good girlfriend you should be happy for him but you only managed a forced smile. Great, now he will be gone even more. I don’t want your money Jinwoo, I want you to spend time with me.

“But I got it under a condition.”

When you did not ask what the condition was, he just continued: “I asked for reduced hours.”

You stopped in the middle of the promenade and looked at him. He stopped too. The person who walked behind you almost crashed into you and cursed.

“Look, I’m sorry.”

Jinwoo took your hands. You met his eyes for the first time today. They were still the warm brown that you remembered. It reminded you of the good times you and Jinwoo had had together. He pressed his lips into a thin line before speaking again.

“I know, I wasn’t there for you enough. Forgive me. Please”

You did not know what you should say. If it was true that he had taken steps to spend more time outside work.. Your heart skipped a beat. His thumbs ran over the back of your hands. A gesture so soft, it made your anger melt away.

“I love you.”

The words hit you like a truck. He said it like he meant it. Indeed there was no doubt in your head that he meant it.

“Jinwoo…”

You wiggled your hands free and wrapped your arms around his neck. Your lips met in a desperate kiss. All your frustration with him and loneliness was released through it. Warm rain began to fall. The drops hit the dry ground, the tiled roofs and your head. You pulled back. A drop hit your neck and you started to move. Covering your head, you took off in the direction of the nearest restaurant and Jinwoo followed behind you.

The cozy restaurant was perfect for this evening. You laughed more than you had had in some time. The weight of your unresolved problems had been lifted off you and it felt like you had your Jinwoo back.

After you ate and drank it was time to return to the house. You said goodbye to the waiter and went to the door. Jinwoo froze in the doorway.

“We should have brought an umbrella.”

He said it in a matter of fact way. You looked out into the night where rain was still going strong. The air had cooled down, but it was still warm. The sun had completely disappeared behind the horizont and the only light came from a few streetlamps. You looked at Jinwoo and said:

“It's not far, we can run home and take a warm shower.”

Jinwoo smiled at you. You took his hand and began running. Your laughter and curses were swallowed by the white noise of the rain.

At the house you saw an umbrella standing next to the door as you took off your soaked shoes. Your clothes clung to your body, making it harder to move. You wanted nothing more than to take them off. You showered first in the small bathroom. The hot water warmed you up again and you were reluctant to leave. It just felt too good. Eventually you had mercy with Jinwoo who was still waiting for his turn.

You put on your light pjs and went to the bedroom. You found blankets and pillows in the closet and changed the sheets on the bed. The fresh sheets too smelled a bit like they had been in the closet for some time, but they would have to do. You lay down under the thin blanket. With the rain the house had cooled down and you felt the need to cover yourself for the night.

Jinwoo came back from the shower wearing only his underwear. He looked fantastic. You wanted to rest your head on his sculpted chest. It had been some time since you had seen him shirtless and he looked buffer than you remembered. He had always been one who liked going to the gym, so he had always looked fit, but now his arms and chest were bigger than before. If he saw you staring, he did not comment on it.

Jinwoo slipped under the blanket next to you, but he kept his distance. Lying on his side he rested his head on his arm. He studied your face and you stared back. His lips were full and soft looking. It had been a while since you had noticed how handsome Jinwoo was. You leaned closer.

“Do you need anything right now?”

His voice was soft and so were his eyes. You could not stop thinking about his chest and arms and abs. The desire was clouding your mind.

“Can I touch you?”

An amused smile appeared on his face, but he pushed the blanket down to expose his upper body. You ran your hands over his chest and your eyes followed. The curves and planes of his muscles were slowly driving you mad. How could anyone look this good?

You looked up and met Jinwoo’s warm eyes. He smirked, not even trying to appear modest. The effect he had on you was very obvious and Jinwoo loved it.

“I missed you.”

He said it like he meant it. His hand covered your hand on his chest. You thought you could feel his heart beating under it. Yes, you had missed your Jinwoo too. You nodded and whispered: “I missed you too.”

You leaned in and he met you halfway. The kiss made your insides churn. He had always been a good kisser, that had not changed. Imagining what his tongue could do between your legs, was getting you riled up. He pulled you closer until your bellies touched and you were flush against him. You swung a leg over his hips and his hand wandered from your waist to your thigh. He was getting hard under the thin fabric of his underwear. You rocked your hips against his and Jinwoo sighed into the kiss. Looks like he missed this too.

He broke the kiss and you almost whined. With an apologetic look on his face he untangled himself from you.

“Let me get the condoms. I’ll be right back, promise.”

The good thing was you got a good look at him again. But you also had a moment to think. He came back with a bunch of packages and slipped under the blanket again.

“I was worried about you.”

He froze and looked at you. It must have startled him.

“About me?”

You nodded and pouted a little.

“Yes. You worked way too much and I was worried and sad about that. Please take care of yourself.”

Your pent up frustration made your tone almost whiny. With sincerity you added: “I love you.”

Jinwoo reached up and caressed your cheek.

“I love you too. I’m sorry.”

You kissed and he pulled you closer. Being pressed against his hard body was exactly what you needed right now. It was the assurance that he was here and with you.

Your leg was draped over his hips and he reached between your bodies to align himself with your entrance. He gently pushed in, stretching you nicely. You moaned into the kiss. Him in you was just as good as you remembered. He did not move and you savored the intimacy of the moment.

“How do you want me today?”

Jinwoo whispered in your ear and sucked on your neck for emphasis.

“I ate too much for what i want.”

He chuckled and his breath tickled your skin.

“You ate a lot. Have you been starving?”

You lightly slapped him and pouted. It wasn’t even that much.

“It tasted good.”

He nodded in agreement. You thought about what would be nice right now. Some position that was intimate but did not require much moving.

“How about like this?”

You moved away until he slipped out and turned around. With his arm around you and his front pressed against your back it felt like the perfect position for the night. Jinwoo pushed in and it was just as good as you had hoped.

He kissed your shoulders and neck as he set a slow pace. The thrusts grazed your g spot from time to time, making you moan. You held his hand to your chest with fingers intertwined. His hot breath tickled your neck. It was heartbreakingly intimate to be with him like this. You kissed his fingers and he gasped without making a sound. His trusts came faster now, it was not the slow fuck from before. But you were ready for your release.

Jinwoo untangled his hand from your grip and reached between your legs. He circled your clit in time with his thrusts. By instinct you clenched around him, wanting to shut your legs close. It limited his motion on your clit, but he did all he could. Rubbing you faster as his thrusts speed up too. You gasped and moaned, moving your hips for more. Your whole body tensed in anticipation. The steady rhythm of Jinwoo’s thrusts faltered, but they were harder now, hitting inside you just right.

“A little more, please!”

It was more a whine than understandable words, but Jinwoo groaned and struggled for more controlled movements. You did not have to worry about anyone hearing you and a moment later you also did not care, if anyone did. Jinwoo let you ride out your orgasm with his fingers still pressed against your sensitive clit. You turned your head so you could see him over your shoulder. His hair stuck to his forehead, but he looked pleased. You planted a sloppy kiss on his lips.

“I think I need another shower.”

#AWhippedSummer #ksmutclub #wkcnet #noonasinnetwork #Astro smut #Astro Jinjin smut # jinjin x reader #Astro x reader #kpop x reader #Astro fanfic #Astro fics #kpop fanfic #kpop smut #star writing #request #queue for the lemonade stand

[pixieungerstories]

Quarantine -3

It would have been nice to have something other than the word of a shadow to go on.  I stared at the ceiling.  I wished I had a cat or a dog or - hell - a pet hamster.  Some other living thing in the house.  I had no idea what Nick was but I wasn’t entirely sure he counted as a living thing.

“Humans who don’t sleep start to hallucinate,”  I muttered to myself.  Maybe if I actually got some shut eye, I would wake up and this would all be a dream.  “Fuck it.”  I got undressed and crawled under the covers.  I settled under the covers, then realized I was facing the closet, so I rolled over.  Having the door in my blind spot wasn’t necessarily better.

“Nick?”  I wasn’t really expecting an answer.  “Can you move the bed to another room?”

“I can.  I don’t want to.  I like having you where I can see you.”

I nodded.  “I’ll go sit in the kitchen until dawn.”

“Go! To! Sleep!”

I jumped then started to shake.  “Yelling at me isn’t going to help me sleep,” I muttered.

The bedroom door slammed shut.  Rattling the door knob and pulling as hard as I could didn’t make it budge.  “Please don’t do this,” I whimpered, then I screamed as something brushed my face.

The door opened suddenly enough that I unbalanced and fell on my ass, but a moment later I was running down the stairs and out the front door.  I was at the gate before I knew what I was doing.

The cops were still right there.

“You need to go back inside ma’am!” the closest one called.  After that they were all looking at me.  

I paced for a moment, uncomfortably aware how odd I was behaving.  I needed to get out of here.  I needed a smoke.  I needed to stop acting weird before they decided I had killed my neighbours.

Oh god.  I was trapped in a house with a creature that probably killed the looters.

I didn’t want to face the idea that Nick was a killer.

“Ma’am!  Go inside!”

“I saw what happened on the news,” I explained.  “It’s giving me nightmares and I’ve been stuck in that house for more than a month.  I wasn’t expecting to be quarantined in a construction site.”

“Be that as it may, you need to go back inside,” the patrolman called.

“I’m more than six feet away from you.  Can’t I just stay out here near some other people and the street lights? Please?”

“You aren’t exactly dressed for the weather,” he pointed out.  

I crossed my arms over my chest as I realized I was standing on my lawn in my night dress.  I should go in and at least get my robe.  It was in the room with Nick’s closet.

I thought about just confessing to something so that I could go with them.  Prison wouldn’t have Nick.  Maybe I just needed a hospital.  No.  That was a death sentence these days.

He was driving me off.  He had flat out told me that he was good at that.

“Are you alright, ma’am?”

“No!” I snapped.  “I’m scared.”

He gave me a pitying look but still insisted, “You need to go inside now.  You will be safe in your house.”

I snorted, and swatted at the bugs that had found me.

“Go inside,” he said gently.  “The last thing you need is to catch something from the mosquitos.”

I nodded slowly and headed back in to sit in the kitchen.  Maybe he would let me make a pot of coffee.  When I got inside the lights in the kitchen was on and the bed was set up on the main floor.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“You’re welcome.  This is temporary.  You will sleep upstairs when the walls are repaired.

The next morning I got a phone call ordering me out into the garden as a forklift delivered a load of drywall.  It was left in the middle of the floor next to my bed.  I looked at it.   Nick’s voice was too close to my ear, “Someone will come hang in tomorrow.”

“How did you pay for this?”

“You have an excellent credit rating and you aren’t spending much of your money.”

“Great.  Did they say how long it would take?”

There was no answer to that.

“I guess drywallers wear masks all the time anyway,”  I mused.   “At least there will be some other people around.”

“Yes.”

I didn’t have walls the next day.  In fact things were worse as the last of the lath and plaster was taken down.  They found hundreds of razor blades in the wall in the bathroom.  The construction guys assured me that it was normal to find all kinds of weird things in the walls of old houses, but they still looked uncomfortable that it was razor blades and that some of them were more bloody than you would expect from a mere shaving accident.  I spent the night picking them up with tweezers and dropping them into a jar for safe disposal.  Nick didn’t say a word and the lights stayed on that night.

One half the team turned up the next day.  No one commented on why that was.

I ordered a hammock and a grill for the backyard.  I got the hammock but someone had changed the grill to a chiminea when I wasn’t looking.  It was nice, but I couldn’t cook on it.  My order had also been edited to include a bunch of bug repellant candles and some sunscreen.  I tried to figure out if that was something a shadow creature would actually do or was this another sign that I was losing my mind.

Either way, I worked on the concrete table out back at the very limit of the wifi during the day and concentrated on fixing up the yard after official work hours.

One of the drywallers sold me a patio umbrella.

I also got the lecture that just because the walls were up didn’t mean that it was safe to use the shower.  

“You still have to get a membrane installed and your tiles up and sealed,” the guy explained.

I nodded, “You don’t happen to know a tile guy that is still working?”

He frowned, “I’ll ask around.  Do you have tiles yet?”

“No,” I admitted.

“That might be the hard part.  You can still find a few guys willing to come out, but all the factories are shut down.”

“Shit.”

He gave me a look of sympathy.  “Yeah.  There are stories of people doing penny walls or using their grandma’s china to tile just so they have a working bathroom.”

“I don’t have either of those things,” I said sadly.

He nodded, “I’ll ask around.  It isn’t a big project and people might have some leftovers.”

Given how protective Nick was of the house I should have expected his warning.    I was still unimpressed to see “no ugly tile” written on the drywall in the morning.  Still, he could have used the last of my lipstick and instead had found a pencil somewhere.  I tried to ignore it as I brushed my teeth.  I didn’t even have a mirror over the sink.  Grumbling around the toothbrush I realized, “Fuck.  I’m the only person who could buy a haunted house where the ghost had been watching too much HGTV.”

That earned me a creepy house shaking laugh and proof that he hadn’t just left.

“It’s your fault,” he purred in my ear.  “You are the one who fell asleep all those nights with decorating shows playing on repeat on your computer.”

I sighed. “Yeah, it was,” I agreed sadly.  “If I hadn’t would you be haunting me right now?”

“If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t have seen the value in what you are doing and I wouldn’t have spent a week keeping you alive when you got sick.  Perhaps you would have been haunting me.”

I frowned, “I wasn’t sick for a week!  It was only a couple of days!”

“You should check your calendar.  It was a couple of days of you being sick and a week of me forcing you to breathe.”

“There is no way I lost a week without noticing!”

He didn’t say anything.  When I checked my calendar there were nearly two weeks missing.  I told myself it didn’t mean anything.  Nick used my computer, he could have just deleted the information.  I could just call work or Penny or someone and ask how long I was away for.

I kind of didn’t want to.  What if he was telling the truth?

I took my coffee and toast and ate breakfast outside, once again wishing for a cigarette.  Nick had never left the house, as far as I knew, and I didn’t want to talk to him just then.  This was ridiculous!  Shadow monsters didn’t … do that!  They didn’t … exist.  I was just …  this wasn’t happening!

I was out of coffee and the coldness of the concrete bench was soaking through my night shirt and into my ass.  I had left the folded towel I used as a cushion inside overnight so it wouldn’t get damp.  Now I was cold and damp instead.  Fuck.

When I made it back to the kitchen, my laptop was open and had apparently been searching for bathroom tiles.  ‘Fine.  Whatever.  Pick something nice that I can afford.”

I don’t know what I was expecting him to do, but contacting a local stained glass artist wasn’t it.  I really wasn’t expecting her to check if it was OK if my boyfriend picked out the design since it was my credit card that was paying for it.

I was afraid to ask, but I had to know, “What did he pick?”

Nancy cleared her throat, “Well, originally he wanted a reproduction of a stained glass window from Maison Schott in France.  But when we talked about how complicated it would be for a tiler to install that, he settled on a simpler rose on trellis pattern.”

  I set down the phone to close my eyes and scrub my face.  “Do you like what he picked out?”  She seemed a little taken aback by the question.  “Yes?  It’s a little modern for your age of house, but it’s a nice piece and will be easy to install.  It mostly uses different textured white glass, so it would be in keeping with a white bathroom. I can have it ready next week.  I’m not exactly over run with work right now.”  She paused before she added, “I’ll send you some sketches and if there is anything you need changed, just let me know.  I could really use the income, to be honest.”

“Yeah.  I understand that.  I guess I’m just doing my part to keep the economy running.”

“I really appreciate that.   The whole ‘buy local’ movement ended when we weren’t allowed to leave our houses,”  Nancy pointed out.

“Ok.  Send me the sketches and the quote and I’ll get back to you in the next couple of days.”

I lay in bed that night and looked at the newly drywalled dining room ceiling.  “What are you doing, Nick?”

“Making a home for you,” he whispered.

“Can I even afford this?  You don’t have a secret money vault hidden in the walls with the razor blades, do you?”

There was a long moment of silence, then he whispered, “You could sell the wine instead of drinking it.”

I froze.  “Just because it’s old doesn’t mean that it’s valuable,” I pointed out.

Something caressed my calf as he purred his reply, “But it is.”

I closed my eyes and let my body melt into the mattress.   My breath caught in my throat as the touch moved up my leg.  As soon as I made the noise, the contact vanished.  I groaned.

“What are you doing?”

“Breaking the rules,” he grumbled from across the room.

I needed to know, “Why were there razor blades in the walls?”

“There was a slot in the back of the medicine cabinet for used razor blades to be dropped between the wall boards so that they were safe and wouldn’t hurt anyone in the trash.  That was perfectly normal at one point in history,” he explained.

I considered this, “Why were there bloody razor blades in the walls?”

He didn’t answer that one.  “Why haven’t you used your little toy since I cleaned it for you?”

Now it was my turn to be silent.

“You liked that toy,” he prompted.  “I liked watching you enjoy yourself.  Good for everyone.”

“That’s really creepy.  Can’t you just watch porn like a normal person?”

“Porn isn’t as satisfying,” he replied.  Then he added, “For either of us.  And I am not a normal person.”

“I noticed.”

“Would we have fucked by now if I was?”  he just sounded curious.  The vocal leer from a moment ago was gone.

“I would have had you arrested by now if you were.”

The low chuckle rumbled through the house at that.  I closed my eyes and he stroked my face.  “Let me watch,” he purred.  “I can feel how badly you want.”

That made my eyes snap open.  “What?”

“I can taste your fear, but also your pleasure.  I enjoyed watching you cum in a way that humans can not understand.  And I am very aware of your frustration.”

“What happens to my soul if a shadow … creature watches me play with myself?”

“It gets to live in a house with a happier guardian?” he suggested.

“A guardian?  Is that what you are?”

“Guardian sounds better than monster or eldritch god but that’s just semantics.”

“I’m pretty sure there is a difference,” I pointed out.

“Perhaps the difference is what I’m doing at the time.  And right now, I am guarding this house, taking care of you and hoping you will take care of yourself.”

“Is that what the kids are calling it these days?” I joked.   “I’m too damn tired!”  I thought for a moment, “I need more rules, Nick.”

“Like what?” he asked in a breathy hissing rasp that sounded pretty much like how I imagined a death rattle would sound.

“Well, there’s that,” I pointed out.  “Now I’m scared and I can’t see you so this is going to be another night of sitting up until I fall down.”

“You need to rest,” he murmured in a more normal voice for him.   It wasn’t human sounding, but it wasn’t deliberately scary.

I had already set up and was fumbling for a light switch. I shrieked when he caught my hand.  “Ugh! Look, either I get to sleep or you get to scare me, but you have to pick one.  And I can’t see when you are going to touch me, so it’s scary every time.  That’s why I asked you not to.  But if you can’t do that, can you at least tell me when it’s coming?”

“Would that really make it better if you knew I was going to lick my way up your back?”

“It would if I knew you would listen when I tell you not to.  This is about trust, Nick.  I don’t trust you.  I am already very aware of how vulnerable I am here.  You could easily lock me in the basement and wait for me to starve to death.  You could smother me with my pillow.  Hell, you could slice open an artery and hide the razor blade in the walls.”  I stopped abruptly, wondering if I was just giving him ideas.  “I can’t stop you and I can’t leave and I can’t trust you not to lock me in the bedroom because you think that will help me sleep.”  He let go of my hand.  I turned on the light and looked around the empty house.  “My head hurts and I don’t want to be afraid any more.”

“I have never done anything to hurt you, but I can see how I have done things that are frightening.”  It sounded like a whisper on the very edge of hearing.  “Turn out the light, lay down and I will rub your back until you can sleep.  I will do my very best not to be scary.”

I turned on my laptop as a source of light and sound before I turned off the light switch.  “I can’t believe I am saying this, but if you want this to be less scary for me, find me a nightlight.  I haven’t needed one since I was ten, but, congratulations, I do now.”

I felt the bed dip.  It didn’t always do that.  “I’m going to rub your back now,” he whispered. “You can tell me to stop.”

“Ok,” I acknowledge.

It wasn’t a massage; it was more like a person petting a cat.  He started at the top of my head and stroked back to my waist, then stopped and started again.  It was vaguely soothing and I was really exhausted by then.  At some point in the night I woke to see a huge black shape hunched over my keyboard.

In the morning I had emails confirming my order of six cartoon animal night lights from IKEA and one from an auction house saying they would be happy to broker the sale of my wine and that they would send an expert to confirm its authenticity.  

I wondered how you forge wine.

#quarantine #oh my god they were quarantined #shadow monster

[yuzukult]

effortlessly pt. 4 || jungkook & reader

title: effortlessly  pairing: jungkook x reader genre: fluff, romance, school!au, smut (not in this chapter) words:  3.8k on the shorter side note: again, i may need to do some proofreading!!! enjoy :)

series: part one || part two || part three || part four || part five || part six || part seven || part eight || part nine || part ten || epilogue 

The sun shining through the blinds warms your skin as you groan while rubbing your eyes drowsily at the contact. Sliding off Jungkook’s body and cloaking your face into the pillow, you sigh heavenly. Although still exhausted, after confessing your feelings to the sleeping Jungkook the night before, you felt relieved. 

Jungkook? He thinks he hasn’t slept a wink. There may have been a moment or two where he dazed off to the point that he thought he fell asleep but in actuality, he could barely get himself to close his eyes long enough. 

Well, you did tell him you loved him last night. 

How else was he supposed to react? He spent the entire 8 hours with a billion thoughts running through his mind incessantly. Sure, he constantly showered you with affection, occasionally slipping in some pick up lines, and flirting ceaselessly but he never believed that you would ever reciprocate those same feelings... or even come close to the point of potentially realizing how you felt. A hopeful dream was what it was and the only way to prevent heartbreak was to prioritize his aspirations to become a swimmer. 

Regardless of that... he’d been in love with you for over a decade, so what does this mean now?

You confessed to his sleeping body, or well— “sleeping.” Does he tell you that he heard everything you said? Would that be too much? It felt like he was eavesdropping on a conversation he shouldn’t have listened in on, even if you were saying it directly to him. But you said those things unfiltered, assuming that he wouldn’t hear anything.

Chewing his bottom lip with his brows wrinkled, he pondered in silence as your body beside him is shifting constantly under the covers, switching in different positions. Edges of his mouth twitching into a soft smile at the sight of you, he runs his fingers through his messy locks, finally coming to a decision.

Jungkook is going to take this opportunity to tell you that he loves you. The proper way, of course, since technically he isn’t supposed to know about your confession. He’s going to make up for what happened with what should have happened.

“You’re awake?” You grumble, voice husky. He chuckles at the sound, pinching your cheek gently. “Yeah, been awake for a while. Getting up any time soon?”

Shaking your head, you drop your face back into the pillow, muffling your words. “I just wanna sleep all day. Did you have any plans for today?” 

He hums a moment in thought, glancing over at you. “I didn’t initially, but I think we should do something today. Did you have anything in mind that you want to do lately?”

Turning your head, you glare at your best friend. “You’re the one who wants to go somewhere.”

“True but I wanted to give you the option to pick.”

Rolling your eyes, you purse your lips in response. “Let’s get pizza and go to the beach.”

“Beach?”

“Yeah, you said you wanted to give me an option to pick. I heard it’s going to be nice and hot outside, and if you’re not letting me stay indoors in the amazing AC, you’re taking me to the beach to cool down.”

“Sassy,” He says, pushing a strand of your hair away from your face and behind your ear. “But okay. We can do that. I’m down for it.”

“Just us two?”

“Just us two.” You liked the sound of that.

The sun barely pecks your skin in the morning but it’s noon now, and the sun hates you. Toes digging into the sand as Jungkook leads to find a spot to put the umbrella, you’re weeping from the heat under your feet and the sun scorching your skin.

“Jungkook, I’m fucking melting.”

“Yes miss, we are all melting in this heat. We are all bitches to the sun right now.”

You’re grumbling, dragging your legs with you as you fix the straps on the duffle bag that sits as a crossbody on your frame. “Jeon, hurry up and pick a spot before I become one with the sand!”

“Quit being such a drama queen.” He rolls his eyes playfully, finally deciding on a spot that wasn’t too far from the water but wasn’t close enough to be swept in by the tide. “This seems like a good spot.”

“It only took months.” He flicks your forehead. “I said quit it, drama queen.”

After sticking the umbrella into the sand and setting up the rest of the necessities for the day, you throw your body onto the mat, groaning loudly in relief that the tasks had been completed. “I enjoy this, other than the sun burning my skin before I even got the chance to put on sunscreen.”

“You’re still in your denim shorts and T-shirt,” Jungkook comments, now shirtless with just his swim trunks on. “That’s why you’re sweating like that. Hurry and get ready, I’ll put sunblock on you.” Abiding by his instruction, you strip yourself from the shirt that clings to your body in sweat and the thick shorts that absorbed most of the sun’s heat. Left in your bikini, you turn yourself around to lay on the mat.

His breath hitches again— it seems to be a common reaction from him lately to anything that has to do with you. He wishes he could press butterfly kisses against your soft and supple skin but he shakes away the urges before squirting some of the sunscreen in his hands and rub your back.

“Hold on.” You say and he pauses, hands stopping in midair. Your arm reaches around to your back, pulling the strands of your black bikini to unravel, exposing more of your back and he clears his throat when he loses control of his breathing patterns. “What are you doing? We’re in public.”

“Tan lines,” you respond casually, resting your cheek on a folded towel. “Go on.”

Jungkook felt like he was having an inner argument with himself. Everything you did was almost in a teasing manner, and especially with the newfound knowledge that you’re in love with him— he can’t help but find you even more attractive than before. Maybe he was delusional, but he was starting to feel like you were doing this on purpose.

“Thanks.” Retying your top, you turn yourself around to lay on your back, lathering the lotion onto the front portions of your body. “You want me to do yours?”

“No.” He quickly replies, face flushed pink. The thought of your hands touching his skin... he didn’t think he’d be able to handle it. Realizing how suspicious he sounded, he corrects himself. “I mean, no... I’m okay.”

Wrapping your fingers around his wrist, you tighten your grasp before pulling him onto the mat and forcing him to lay on his stomach, squirting a decent amount of the product onto your hands. He’s groaning at the sudden impact, face pressed against the toughness of the mat, rubbing his face with his hand. “What was that for?”

“You’re just being so weird today.” Applying the sunscreen onto his back, you move in motions as his body tenses under your touch. “Can you just relax? You’re starting to be even more weird. Weirder than usual.”

“Weirder than usual?” He reiterates, words a bit muffled from his cheek being crushed. “I’m not being weird.”

“Yes, you are.” You retort sternly, slapping his lower back to insinuate your completion of the task. “All morning. You said you slept, but I can tell you didn’t because well... look at your eyebags! Jeon, what’s wrong with you?”

“Don’t worry about it! Let’s enjoy the day.” He says, finishing up the rest of his body before giving you a wave and jumping into the water.

Jungkook is and always will be insufferable.

Your favorite part of any beach trip is when the sun begins to set, the breeze from the ocean kicking in, and the fragrance of the salty sea is inhaled into your lungs, bringing you a sense of peace and tranquility. The best view along with this is Jungkook, who sits in the sand, feet and lower half of his body submerged in the water, enjoying the weather. The top of the evening was that both your stomachs are full with pizza for dinner.

Standing up from the little area that the two of you had made for yourselves, you invite yourself into a spot beside your best friend, resting your head on his shoulder. “This is nice. The weather, the water, just us. We haven’t had this in a while.”

Turning his head to glance at you, a soft smile appears on his lips. “We’re always together.”

“Not alone, not like this.” You sigh, fingers drawing shapes along the sand. “We’re usually with someone. Your team, Yura... anyone, really. I miss when it’s just the two of us. It feels like you’re afraid to actually be alone with me or something.”

“We have sleepovers though, what about that?”

“Do we ever really talk during movies? Then we sleep right after.”

Lately, it had occurred to you that despite all this “time” that you had been spending with Jungkook wasn’t really any time. Lunch had been inhabited by engaging with girls who crushed on Jungkook, and the remaining times were dedicated to socializing with Yura and his teammates. Movie nights were great, but silence would burden the room, and afterwards, he’d be too tired from a swim meet that he would fall asleep instantaneously. There was no more ‘you and Jungkook’ time. It felt like only just you.

“I guess... I really never thought of it like that.” He admits, fingers threading through his dampen locks. He senses the tenderness in your voice at the topic, a tightening feeling in his chest knowing that he’s the one making you feel this way. “I never paid attention to any of that. Did you feel that way for a while?”

“It’s alright though, just something I have to get used to.” Tearing your head off his shoulder, you lay your body completely onto the sand. “Sometimes I forget that we’re not together. It’s hard because there’s...” Sucking in a deep breath of courage, you continue. “... there’s a fine line between friendship and relationship. That’s why I didn’t want to... you know, have sex again. It felt as though you only wanted to do this because of sex.”

“What?” He interjects immediately, head snapping in your direction. “That’s crazy. I wanted to do it again because I was afraid I ruined it for you.”

“I thought I told you it was good enough!”

“But ‘good enough’ isn’t good enough for me. I love you, and I want to make you feel good, I want to make you feel what you’re worth, and that it wasn’t just some deployment to get rid of our virginities. I meant what I said, I really wanted to give mine to you.”

“Jungkook, you know I love you too. But don’t you want to do it with someone else?”

“No, I don’t. I don’t think you know what it means when I say that I love you.”

Furrowing your brows questioningly, you prop your head onto your arm. “What are you talking about.”

Sighing frustratedly at himself, he positions his body down completely beside yours, head resting on top of his forearm. “I’m in love with you. I thought that you’d never feel the same way about me. I know you thought I was sleeping last night, but I heard what you said.”

Your body is stunned rigid. Jungkook doesn’t stop. “You were my best friend since grade school, and I enjoyed every minute I got to spend with you. Truthfully, I think the time I started to fall for you was when we hit early high school and I realized that guys were chasing you. I never noticed it before, but seeing it then sparked a fire in me. I hated every one of them, even if they were a friend. Then again, who was I to tell these people that they couldn’t have you? I didn’t even have the guts to tell you how much I love you.”

Mouth agape, you inhale deeply. “I... you heard me last night?”

“Of course. I just... didn’t know how to react because what if I make you uncomfortable?”

“Uncomfortable? You’ve vomited, farted, and took a shit in the bathroom as I was showering, and now you’re worried if I’m uncomfortable?” Sitting up with sand sticking to your skin, you ignore the discomfort and lock your gaze with his. “Jungkook, I really meant what I said last night. I... didn’t think you’d ever like me back because you seemed like you weren’t interested in any relationship, honestly.”

“And I meant what I said when I told you that you’re the only girl in my life.”

Lips pursed in the reticence, you dig your toes into the ground, hesitant about speaking. “What does this make us now?” 

Hair pushed back from swimming earlier and cheeks flushed pink from either being sunburned or from finally confessing his feelings for you, he watches your actions. “Would you like to be my girlfriend?”

Everything is marginally outlandish on Monday morning after spending almost every waking moment with Jungkook over the weekend since the confession. There had been heated kisses, multiple cuddling sessions, and deep conversations that lasted through the hours of the night until one of you fell into a deep slumber.

But Monday morning? This means that the time together will include other people. Maybe less PDA, sure, but the thought of people finally knowing that the two of you were an item was... exhilarating, and if you were being forthright, you wanted to show off to the entire school population who Jungkook belonged to.

He’s standing outside of your house, waiting patiently with his car grunting after the start, leaning against the hood with a bright grin spread across his face. “Hi.”

“Hi.”

“You look beautiful today.” You think he looks cute smiling cheekily like this. He actually looks like an idiot in other people’s eyes because of how dorky he is.

“I look like this everyday.”

“I know. That just means you’re beautiful everyday.”

Clicking your tongue at the cheesy comment, you make your way down the steps of your front porch as he opens the passenger door for you. “Well, this is new. You’ve never done this before?”

“I’ve also never had a real serious girlfriend before, and here we are.”

“If I knew what I was signing up for, I don’t think I would’ve agreed to this.” He’s in the driver’s seat at this moment, eyes still darting hearts in your direction as he gives your nose a gentle peck. “I’m just happy you’re mine now.”

“So... I take it as you told him you love him?” Yura’s doing the thing where she’s stuffing food in her mouth as she talks, but this time it’s some type of Japanese bread she raves about. “Yura... you’re getting bread all over my desk.”

She rolls her eyes in response, showing you her hand before swiping the crumbs off the surface. “Done-zo. So what now? You guys are dating? Are you going to be one of those girls who will wear their boyfriend’s varsity jacket all around the school? Possibly flaunting that you were able to claim the untouchable Jeon Jungkook?”

“You’re being dramatic.”

“No, you’re not being dramatic enough. What? How long has he been head over heels for you and you had no clue? Not even an ounce?”

“A decade?”

“A fucking decade, my dude. Don’t you just want to show off your new relationship because you’ve waited so long for this moment?”

Pulling off a piece of Yura’s bread, you shove some in her mouth. “Stop talking please, this is so embarrassing.”

“What’s so embarrassing about it?” She accidentally spits a bit of the bread in your face as you scrunch your nose in disgust, wiping off your cheek. “Yura!”

“Sorry. Anyway, what’s so embarrassing about it? You’re acting like he’s some guy who has done bad things and you were desperate enough to settle for a loser. This is your best friend, a potential professional swimmer, who is now your boyfriend. What’s up?”

“I’m kind of scared that all these girls are going to hate me now.” Yura scoffs at your response, shoving the remaining portion of bread in your direction. “You need some sweetness in your morning if you’re going to have such negative thoughts this early in the day.”

“And what about you? Didn’t you also say you had some crush on a guy?”

She waves her hand in dismissal, grabbing another piece of the carb. “He’s my brother’s best friend, not even an arms reach. Let’s switch the topic back to you, though.”

“I don’t want to talk about it anymore!” You grunted. “Well, too bad because Mr. Stole-Your-Heart is walking here now.”

Shooting your head around, you’re met with a beaming Jungkook with his swimming duffle slung over his shoulder as Hoseok trails behind. “Hi.”

“Hi.”

“We keep greeting like this.”

“So we have.”

“Am I missing something here?” Hoseok impedes into the conversation, perplexity written all over his face. “Why are you guys talking like you haven’t been friends for years now?”

“Well,” Yura begins, eying the male. “They haven’t been dating for years so it’s still fresh. Hence the awkwardness.”

“Wait— you’re dating each other?” Appalled, he stumbles onto a desk behind him, hand over his chest. “You actually told her you loved her? This is crazy. Does this mean that you’re also the girl he keeps talking about that he lost his virginity to?”

Blood rushes to your cheeks, glowing coral. “Potentially.”

Adjusting the straps of his backpack on his shoulders, he straightens himself before twirling his body around to exit the classroom. “Sorry bro, I gotta let the team know. I can’t believe you actually went through with it!”

“Hoseok—” Jungkook rubs his face tiredly when his friend leave before giving you an apologetic look. “I’m going to chase after him. I’ll see you after class?”

“I’ll see you after class,” You confirm, and surprisingly enough, he leans in to give you a quick goodbye kiss before waving at Yura.

Yura’s eyes bulged to the point it looked like it would fall out of its sockets. “He— he actually did that? How much did I actually miss? Did you guys do it again?”

“How many questions are you going to ask?”

“All of them. Any single one that pops into my head. How could I not ask you any of these questions? What’s the point of being your friend if I can’t!” Yura jokes and you retaliate by throwing a pen at her.

“Look at who has arrived! The woman who has tamed our special Kook’s heart!” Namjoon exclaims brightly at the sight of you entering the pool’s arena, backpack over your shoulder as you make your way to your designated spot in the bleachers. “Jesus, stop embarrassing her.” Jungkook counters, pushing the guys away from your seat.

“Aw, come on. We never got to interrogate her as your girlfriend!”

“Isn’t interrogating her as my friend enough?”

“No,” Jin chimes in. “We didn’t get to ask her the girlfriend questions yet.”

Jungkook scowls at his teammates who bluster him at five against one. “What are you going to ask? I’ll answer for her.” 

“Is she the one you lost your virginity to?”

“When did this happen?”

“Is Jungkook even good in bed? He just looks good but what about his delivery—“

“Whoa, whoa whoa!” Jungkook interrupts, dropping his bag onto the ground. “My delivery? You’re questioning my performance?”

“Performance?” Standing beside you at the bleachers, the entire swim team turns their heads in unison at the voice, faces gleaming at the owner of the voice.

“Taehyung!”

“What’s wrong with Jungkook’s performance?” He raises a brow quizzically, adjusting his own bag that hands across his chest. “He’s a great swimmer.”

Hoseok has his arm around the other male, leading him toward the locker room. “Our little Kook has a girlfriend now, and we’re trying to interrogate his girlfriend about his performance.”

“Jungkook has a girlfriend?” When Jimin responds with your name, Taehyung’s gaze meets your figure as you’re leaning comfortably in the spaces between the bleachers, legs pressed against your chest with AirPods occupying your ears and a book in your hand. 

He never said, but Taehyung always had a slight crush on you. The rest of the swim team, including you, had all been around the same age, but he’d be ahead of the crowd in regards to education, therefore graduated earlier than the rest. Earning a swimming scholarship to study abroad restricted himself from ever letting you know his true feelings, but coming back around meant he could take the opportunity to at least let you know how he felt.

But he was too late. Or so you’d think.

“I got this for you, from the States, that is.” 

“A mug?” Lifting up the Starbucks cup in your hand that he wrapped in a bow so carefully, you’re afraid that you’d accidentally unravel it. Grinning from cheek to cheek, your eyes meet with his. “New York?”

“I visited New York for a little bit before coming back here. Thought of you when I saw that. Figured you would like it.”

Gingerly placing the gift back into its bag, you pull out another item that Taehyun has packed for you. “What— what’s this?” He has a mischievous smile washing over his face, tugging at the bow tie around the plush in your hands.

“A sloth.”

“A sloth?”

Taehyung nods in return, hands slipping into the front pockets of his jeans. “You remind me of a sloth. Always so tired, moves slow sometimes—”

“Tae, are you insulting me?” Laughing at your reaction, he immediately shakes his head in discrepancy. “No, it’s a good thing really. You’re cute, and sloths are cute. Grounded, even though they’re in the trees, relaxing to be around, and you can’t help but to like them.”

Nodding in response, you hold the stuffed animal in your arms, content with his answer. “I’ll take that. I really like this, Taehyung. You didn’t have to bring this back for me.”

“Of course I had to bring you something back.” He bends forward, playfully pinching your nose. “You were always coming to our games to support us. Anyways, there’s a letter in the envelope when you get the chance to look more thoroughly.”

“Yep. Well, if you’d excuse me, they’re going to nag at me for leaving the locker room so suddenly instead of getting dressed to practice with them. I’ll catch you later?” You bow your head in agreement as you watch him run in the route of the locker room before searching through the bag before your fingers meet with a thick piece of paper.

Your name is written on the front of the pink envelope. Something makes your stomach churn at the appearance of the item. Inhaling deeply, you tear off the flap, a little too aggressively that the note falls out and onto the floor.

“What’s this?” Jungkook asks, picking up the mysterious paper, handing it to you. “Who gave you that?”

“Uh... Taehyung.”

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