#and then i realized the third member is mochi

[kimbapisnotsushi]

okay gang buckle up here are the highlights from the notes and mini comics in the back of the english version of "beginnings & endings" let's go!!

(also i know translated images of these are probs floating around somewhere but i have literally never seen these before except in the og jp artbook bc i don't go on twitter so like. this one is for the tumblr gang i guess?? anyways have fun!)

there's a small comic where yamaguchi tells tsukki that he hears hinata has been doing meiso (瞑想, or meditation) every day which i guess is a homophone because tsukki goes "he's been doing meiso forever, what?" (迷走, to stray/act randomly) and pictures hinata always going off on his own and doing random shit LMAAAO

also there's a mini comic where bokuto is wearing a lab coat and is like "omg don't i look good in this?" and komi and konoha are like "yooooo the lab coat is so sick it makes anyone look smart it's so amazing etc" and akaashi is in the back whisper-yelling "IF YOU GUYS PRAISE THE LAB COAT TOO MUCH THEN BOKUTO WILL GET JEALOUS OF THEM"

THERE'S ANOTHER MINI COMIC THAT'S ADVERTISING THE SALE OF VOLUME 33 WHICH KAGEYAMA THOUGHT WASN'T REAL BC "hinata's dig is on the cover!?!?! that can't be right!! that has to be fake!!"

and then he promotes it by saying "it's got hinata crappily bumping the ball on it. hope you'll like it"

another mini comic shows hinata sending a pic of himself and oikawa in rio wishing kageyama, yachi, tsukki, and yamaguchi a happy new year except like. oihina are squatting over a sand sculpture they made that's a replica of the kagami-mochi which is making yachi, tsukki, and yamaguchi lose their shit. kageyama (who is separate from them on a jog) does not seem to realize what it is and wonders why they built a pile of poop

KANBAYASHI SHOWS UP IN ONE OF THE MINI COMICS??? I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT JUSTICE FOR MY BOY LET'S GO

literally he just introduces himself and where he is ("i'm currently standing in front of the men's room at fukurodani high") and explains that today is the final day of a MASSIVE joint training camp and takes us to see how things are going AND THEN WE SEE EVERYONE BURSTING THROUGH THE DOORS AND SUGA YELLING "IT'S PARTY TIME!!!!"

dude i fucking LOVE this one bc like. kamomedai is there. it's at fukurodani so obviously they're there. the ppl that come in are karasuno members (the third years plus tsukki, hinata, and kageyama), kuroo, and oikawa (so we know nekoma AND seijoh are there) so i'm just like. who the fuck else is there. this IS a party. it's THE crossover. THE ensemble cast

tbh i'm a really big fan of thinking that this is the intro panel to that huge colored spread furudate did of all the teams gathered around the nekoma v karasuno match bc it's the only thing that makes sense!! that WAS the final day of their massive joint training day session!!!!

THERE'S A SHORT MANGA IN THE BACK DETAILING FURUDATE'S RESEARCH TRIP TO BRAZIL I'M SO FUCKING EXCITED LET'S GO

furudate used hinata, tsukki, and kageyama to represent themselves and two editors who went with them

apparently local sports sites interviewed furudate bc they wre curious to know about the manga and then furudate. turned around and interviewed them right back about beach volleyball LMAAAO

two of the women's beach volleyball players they met (barbara seixas and fernanda berti if anyone knows them!) did the kamehameha pose and furudate drew them in it

the meal that oikawa and hinata ate together was traced directly from a picture furudate took when they got lunch with the athletes LOL

they also visited barbara seixas's house and got to see all her medals and trophies!!

the next day they went to go interview from the men's side and met bruno oscar schmidt and evandro gonçalves. these guys were funny bc furudate asked them "do you ever clash over opinions or get into arguments?" and apparently schmidt (who is 6'1") pointed at oscar (6'11"!!!!) and went "what, you think i'd pick a fight with him?"

then they visited gonçalves' apartment where he also had a lot of trophies LMAO, and his apartment was used as inspiration for the apartments of hinata and pedro / heitor and nice!!!

keep in mind that furudate has been using hinata, tsukki, and kageyama to represent their team this entire time so it looks like those three have just been hanging out with irl volleyball players LMAAAO

then they went to corcovado mountain to see the statue and, in a rare moment of rawdog honesty, tsukki admits that the view from the top is pretty

ALSO THERE ARE PENCIL SKETCHES/ROUGH DRAFTS ON PAGE 369 OF DIFFERENT SCENES BUT ONE OF THEM BEING THE KARASUNO V NEKOMA SPREAD WITH ALL THE TEAMS WATCHNG

okay from this point we're going to be getting into furudate's work process and office space!!!

furudate's got his own desk in the back corner of the room right by a window. in the center there are four staff desks shoved together divided in half horizontally by a giant wall of tissue boxes. the reason for this is because they meant to buy a desk partitioner but kept forgetting to, and now they've decided that they don't need one bc they have the tissue box wall????

btw the tissue box wall suddenly appeared out of nowhere. like it actually says "the staff members must have felt awkward facing each other with nothing in between, because at some point there was suddenly a stack of tissue boxes there"

also they stuck like. alllll kinds of things to the tissue boxes. notes and diagrams and and sketches and literally anything that would make an easy reference

also furudate straight up admits that the most annoying thing to draw was hinata's head LMAAAO

and apparently inarizaki jerseys were supposed to have a line across the shoulders but everyone decided that was way too much work so they stopped

furudate has a stepping machine under their desk (it's two actually, one on top of the other) that they use while working bc they heard that Google employees do the same. they don't have any lower back pain so i guess it works??

furudate also really likes the fudenosuke brand of thin brush marker pens and goes through quite a lot of them. at one point one of the staff members drew the whole tokyo city gymnasium ceiling with only those pens

idk if you guys want me to go into the whole technique and tool thing if any artist wants to know send me an ask and i'll make a separate post for that bc this is getting really long already aaaaaaaaghhhhhh

furudate keeps a small volleyball whiteboard on their desk and uses magnets of the characters to plan how a game might play out which actually might be MY personal favorite fun fact about them like that's SO cool??? there's also a photo of the christ the redeemer statue stuck on it they got during the brazil trip and also notes about oikawa's and futakuchi's hair parts LMAAAO

they don't finalize the art digitally instead furudate calculates the size of the copy and then prints each piece out and pastes it onto the manga pages

i actually have no idea what that means i mostly copied it word for word but it sounded SUPER interesting

because of that tho furudate made a joke that paper cement was the most important supply in the office

they keep two pairs of volleyball shoes on the desk for reference . . . . it's hinata's and kageyama's shoes . . . .

they have fanart on the wall from not only fans and staff but oda eiichiro (one piece), kishimoto masashi (naruto), and horikoshi kohei (my hero academia). there's also a framed jurassic park poster which is apparently furudate's favorite movie (LMAO?? that explains some things i guess) and it was playing in the background as they drew the final chapter rather than music

they also keep video game consoles and video games in the office, and they'd play the radio during the day and switch to TV in the evening. they play pre-recorded shows or movies when they have to pull all-nighters which, like, mood

and furudate REALLY likes horror movies apparently? they like the grudge, the ring, one missed call, the conjuring, rec, zombieland, and the mist

okay the last few pages from here on out are insane it's furudate's comments on different scenes from each volume or the volume covers and spans like fifteen pages???? i might make a separate post for that one too

also at the bottom of each of those pages are the different hq characters walking and such and i'll probs also post separate pics bc THEY'RE SO CUTE AONE HAS A LIL CAT FOLLOWING HIM

anyways thanks for sticking with me guys!! that was a long one jesus christ

#sou says stuff #haikyuu #haikyuu!! #haikyuu: endings and beginnings

[bubble4u]

Do Re Mi~

Mentions :multiple people, fucking in public sorta, recording someone, non con

@festive @novaresque @bontensucker @danni-k @aasouthteranoswife @mianavs

"So whose gonna sing next cause I'm really fucking tired of hearing rindou singing sad ass love songs" kokonoi was flipping through the hefty book that holds all the selections to choose from

"Fuck you koko ah fuck just fucking pick im busy shit bitch you're getting tighter" rindou couldn't keep having a conversation with the platinum blonde itll just piss him off to the point of losing his erection. Ran was looking at the food menu contemplating what else they should order"hey babe, what else should we get I'm getting kinda hungry again" is he being for real right now "i..I dont...I don't know" you were trying your best not to moan you didn't want any of the staff or customers outside to hear what yall were doing (they already knew) especially not when the man asking you questions brother is fucking you though your third orgasm.

There was a sound of a door opening and closing "boss said he'll join us next time and takeomi, kakucho and mochi are all busy" sanzu made eye contact with your teary eyes "looks like it'll be just us" he smiled down towards you patting your head like you weren't bent over the table being fucked "well that's a shame do you wanna pick the next song" kokonoi tossed the book to sanzu.

The poor staff half of them have already saw you in such compromising positions when your food got delivered you were riding sanzu while he recorded your pussy swallowing up his dick. When they requested more stuff you were sucking off kokonoi everytime one of them called for a server they were gonna see you doing something one time it was already a given cause sanzu thought it would be funny to put the microphone up to your lips while rindou was eating you out "ah yes my favorite song" these poor workers. "Hey! Watch what your fucking doing" poor guy he was too caught up trying not to stare at you being fucked against the window by ran that he didn't realize he had spilled some alcohol on sanzu. Kokonoi couldn't help but laugh at the situation "damn dude weren't those expensive too that's sucks" sanzu was grumbling angrily while trying to wipe off the liquid the poor staff member was apologizing purposely trying his best to rectify the situation "if you wanted to try her out just ask"rindo suggested nonchalantly that in turn clicked something sinister inside sanzu "yeah buddy no hard feelings" sanzu approached the still scared staff member "how's about this" he yanked the guy by the hair and dragged him towards you and ran.

Ran felt a tap on his shoulder that made him stopped mid stroke which caused you to whimper wondering why he had stopped. Ran saw sanzu smiling like he wasn't holding someone by their hair "our new friend here was so curious about our toy do you mind letting them see" ran rolled his eyes at sanzus antics "fine but hurry up we only rented the place for 2 hours" as he tucked himself back into his pants you were panting trying to catch your breathe this is only the third break you had but fuck you were so close too. The Pinkette approached your slightly slump form "baby~" you looked up at him annoyed but also confused what the fuck was he doing now "sanzu I was just about to cum what is it you want" he smiled so wide at your little attitude he had pinched your cheeks"awww I'm sorry" you smacked his hand away that always made your face heat up you hated it when people did that but when sanzu did it you practically melted but now wasn't the time for that you were still upset with him interrupting you "I'm sorry honey but you see this one right here"sanzu had yanked the staff member up still having a strong hold on his hair "couldn't help but just be so captivated by you that it's hindering his job performance" you raised one eyebrow trying decipher where he was going with this "why not let him have a taste huh sweety maybe then he'll be able to perform better".

You laid down with your legs spread open as the staff member was placed in between still scared about the situation he's been put in "well, HURRY UP!" sanzu nudged the guys back with his foot "you were so interested what happend" the staff member looked around trying to see if maybe he can get some sort of pity from the other men but alas, they were all on their phone not giving a shit about what their colleague was doing "maybe he needs encouragement" kokonoi chimed in not even looking up from his cell phone and with that suggestion a little light bulb turned on. Sanzu pushed the guys head further that he was now practically face to face with your pussy he could even see a bit of cum seeping out a bit "come oooooon~ you know you wanna" the guy still shook his head "please I'm sorry I didn't mean to look please I won't say anything I'll pay for the pants" sanzu laughed his head off "yeah? you got 5k on you right now" the staff member shook his head "that's what I thought plus I told you all is forgiven this is my way of showing said forgiveness" sanzu pushed the guys head that he made contact with you pussy "fuck ow! Sanzu that hurt watch it!" You winced at the force sanzu had put on but it slowly started turning into pleasure "sorry baby he was taking to long I figure this would encourage him" sanzu rubbed the guys face all around "hurry up! if you leave her unsatisfied I'll fucking kill you here" the guy whimpered trying not cry he wanted out he didn't mean to piss them off he then open his mouth and started eating you out hoping you'd cum soon"there we go! See! Didn't need to fucking do all this" he let go of the guys head to go sit next to rindou "now make her cum in the next 5 minutes if not I'm gonna put a bullet in your head"

As the night came to a close and you were getting dressed sanzu came up behind you wrapping his arms around your waist "heeeey beautiful" you looked at him annoyed nudging him off of you "awww baby I'm sorry honest but hey at least you got to cum right" you turned to glare at him "sanzu you're lucky I love all of you cause if not I would have half a mind to tell Mikey what you did" sanzu laughed at your threat "yeah ok sure do that and the only one losing here is that poor guys life" he wasn't lying sadly it's happened before minus the person finishing you off "come on let's go home ran is still bitching that he didn't get to cum" he put an arm around your shoulder walking towards the exit.

You didn't even get to sing stupid assholes

#tokyo revengers #bonten sanzu #sanzu haruchiyo #ran haitani #rindou haitani #bonten ran #bonten kokonoi #tokyorev kokonoi #kokonoi hajime #haitani brothers #bonten rindou

[bisexualhobi]

I became a bts stan on August 22nd right after the Dynamite mv came out, and even though it's been less than a month for me I am now so far up these men's asses it's not even funny lmao so I thought I'd share my member rankings from the moment I learned their names and how it's changed (initial thoughts included in parentheses)

OG ranking aka I saw the Dynamite mv, couldn't tell anyone apart and decided to watch the Carpool Karaoke:

J-Hope (aka the one with the smile, how is his smile so contagious???)

RM (wow he speaks the most English so I guess I'll relate to him the most)

Jin (lmao he's like really funny?? but he also looks kinda mean idk)

Jimin (this boy has the most handsome face i have seen?? ever?? are you sure he doesn't have plastic surgery?? also gave me big Gav Vibes™ at first so I'm 👀👀📝)

Suga (oh okay so he's the Quiet and Mysterious one but he also looks like a human kitten!!)

Jungkook (my friend who's a lowkey local is obsessed w him so ima just... ignore him for a while bc I think he's just the pretty one and something tells me gets overwhelmingly favored by the fandom)

V (he looks so pissed off all the time. what's wrong w him. also why does his face change every time his hair changes wtf I cannot tell this man apart in relation to the others)

Second week rollout: I have just started watching their live performances and American interviews

J-Hope = (I'M YOUR HOPE, YOU'RE MY HOPE I AM J-HOPE 😭😭💞💞😍💓💓💓)

RM = (He's so weird lmao but I bet it's the American interviewers who weird him out. Also side note the poor guy with Ellen degeneres I just wanted to fucking punch her lmao get away from them demon!!!!)

Jimin +1 (He's like catnip and all the male interviewers they interact with are touch starved cats lmao he's so extra I love him!!!)

Suga +1 (omg he's a pisces??? HE'S A PISCES NO WONDER I VIBE WITH U SO MUCH SUGA)

Jin -2 (he's really the most handsome one wow but I feel like I haven't been able to connect w him yet. he's just there)

Jungkook = (I thought he was entitled at first but now I realize he's just like really shy and quiet and America overwhelms him)

V = (still can't tell him apart unless I identify his hair first. sorry)

I have now been informed they are meant to be originally a hip hop group??? why didn't I hear of this earlier where is this hip hop you speak of: aka I discovered the Rap Line™

J-Hope = (YESSSS HONEY YES!! DANCE YOUR LITTLE HEART OUT YOU'RE DOING AMAZING SWEETIE)

Suga +1 (oh my god. oh my fucking god. I had no idea Korean rappers could go this hard?? what the fuck look at him. he looks like a kitten and he raps like a motherfucking savage what the fu-)

Jin +2 (I learned he's the oldest one, didn't even know how to sing or dance until he joined the band, and is super fucking funny. Him and Jimin are a seesaw in my ranking lol)

RM -2 (after hearing him talk so much during my American press tour I have calmed down a bit. he's great, I love him but I wanna feel out the other members)

Jimin -2 (I can't really figure him out, sometimes he's super quiet and shy and other times he's like so extra and loud. Still getting Gay Vibes™)

Jungkook = (hasn't changed my ranking lol but I like him a lot now. doesn't look nor behaves like the baby of the band tbh)

V = (*crickets* *crickets* Still nothing. I'll get back to you)

I'm in too deep now: aka I am now learning their real names and can't seem to stop talking about them

Hobi = (I have learned the term bias. I have now accepted the fact that Hoseok is my ultimate bias)

Yoongi = (I have learned the term bias wrecker. I have now accepted the fact that Yoongi is my bias wrecker)

Namjoon +1 (He's so eloquent and articulate!! His IQ is 148? omg I love you Namjoon....)

Jimin +1 (I love my little mochi.... he must be protected at all costs)

Jin -2 (I love Seokjin!!! I wish they gave him the spotlight more often the content I watch doesn't focus much on him :/)

Jungkook & V =/+1 (a tie! Idk why but they seem to be the ones I relate to the least. Still now I can tell them both apart and I really enjoy their singing voices)

Current ranking: I decided to make a blog. I don't know how much longer I can hold them off. They are taking over my life and I have NO regrets

Hobi & Yoongi = (tie. I love them both, I would die for them gladly 💓💓😊)

Namjoon & Jimin +1 (another tie! I love Joonie so much I would vote him as president forever. Mochi is a baby and I hope he's happy and loves himself as much as we do)

Taehyung +4 (I suddenly learned his name, learned to tell him apart and out of nowhere this man sneaked up on me and climbed his way to third place in my heart?? what the fuck. Also he looks like the main villain in a movie and I want him to step on me. For more content check out my Tae is Itachi vibes board on Pinterest)

Jin & Jungkook =/+2 (I love them. I cannot choose between them and even ranking them last feels weird to me because I love Jin and I don't want him to enlist I'm not ready I just became a fan a few weeks ago and already you're taking him away from me??? And JK our golden maknae I would die for you but something tells me you would never accept that. I love his tattoos and his doe eyes and I'm sorry it took me this long to get to know the real you)

#lmao this is for me only #I just wanted to keep a log of my progressive obsession with this band..... #nvm #.txt

[brooktrout96]

Tri-Squad’s Winter (Mochi) Wonderland

Part 1 of A (Ultra's) Winter Wonderland

AO3 is here

Hiroyuki hate traveling to Rikubetsu, Hokkaido in December/January at least it wasn’t quite the two coldest months for the city yet but it was getting close. It was always so friking cold there but he couldn’t say no to Kana and the young Alien Pitt by the name of Koume who hired EGIS to protect her on her way back to Rikubetsu to visit her family for her winter break

Hiroyuki and a young woman set on a bus on as it was on it’s way to the coldest place in Japan. “Thank you for doing this for me and Machi, Hiroyuki-san.” She gave Hiroyuki a smile as her best friend, a small Eleking name Machi made a chirp of thanks.

“So why did you hire EGIS to take you back home?”

“My ma and pa had been getting threating letter and they heard how EGIS has help other aliens out. Since I was taken collage classes in Tokyo and it’s my winter break, they gave me and Machi some money to hire you guys to help them out and you take me home is a plus.” The aforementioned Machi let out a chirp as they finally made to Rikubetsu

Hiroyuki stared at the festival ground as they passed by as it seems they were getting ready for something.

“Oh, right it must be getting close to that time of the year for it.”

“For what?” Hiroyuki asked as Koume gave him a smile.

“You’ve must’ve live all your life in the big city then. Here in Rikubetsu, we are the coldest place in Japan. So, we have festival in honor of that. It’s called Shibare Festival.” Koume went on about the festival as Hiroyuki noticed the Tri-Squad in their light forms had huddled up into the Taiga themed scarf that Pirika had got him for his birthday.

“How are you guys holding up?” He asked the Tri—Squad as Taiga popped his head out of the scarf and Titas was doing squats as he tried to endure the cold but he was visibly shaking due to the cold.

“It’s soo cold.”

Hiroyuki let out a sigh. “Then get back to hiding in the scarf, if your cold.” Fuma was the only one who was still sitting on his shoulder as the other two members of the Tri-Squad hide back in the scarf. “Aren’t you cold, Fuma?”

Fuma had a smile on his face. “Us O-50 Ultras don’t have the weakness that the Land of Light or the U40 Ultras have against the cold, so the cold dosen’t bother me like it dose this two.” Fuma gestured to the two as they let out a ‘hey’ that was muffled by the scarf as Fuma set down on his shoulder

Koume and Machi lead them pass many stalls and Taiga popped his head out of the scarf as they passed one of the stand for Shibare Festival. “Hey Hiroyuki, wait a moment.” Hiroyuki did what Taiga as as he stopped in front of the stand with a confused look on his face

“What’s up, Taiga?” Hiroyuki glanced at the stand that Taiga has made him stop at. There was a man and woman in the stand with a giant mortar in between them, full of something. The woman had a giant wood hammer in her hand as she pounded what ever was in the mortar as the man quickly turned and wetted what was ever in the mortar as they kept a rhythm to what they were doing

“Have you never seen the traditional way to make mochi?” Koume interrupted Hiroyuki and Taiga conversation as she had turned back and realized that she had lost Hiroyuki

“Honestly no, I’m very rarely able to go to festivals as I’m almost always working during them.”

“Oh, then you’ve never had good mochi before.” Koume gave Hiroyuki a smile as a third person appear from somewhere. “Hiroyuki-san, let me buy you some mochi.”

“Are you sure Koume? I wouldn’t want you to waste your hard-earned money on me.” Hiroyuki said softly as she gave him a smile.

Yeah, and the thing is I promise to bring some home to my parents, it’s there favorite sweet.” Koume turned back to the mochi stand and was greeted by the third person in the stand

“Welcome, how may I help you?”

“Hey, could I get three dozen mochis.”

Hiroyuki had a confused look on his face. “Three dozen?” Koume then turn back to Hiroyuki with three large boxes in her hand, she then set the boxes down and handed one to him.

“Here.” She said with a smile as she handed him a box of a dozen mochi and she then picked up the other two boxes. “I know you probably won’t be able to eat them all by yourself but I thought when you return back to the city that you could share them with the rest of EGIS.”

“Koume, I-“ he was cut off by the energetic young Pitt.

“Come on, we’re almost to my house.” Machi let out a little chirp as the woman took off.

“Don’t like sweet things.” Hiroyuki let out a sigh as he had to run to catch up with her.

Taiga was quiet as he took in what Hiroyuki had said. “You don’t like sweet thing?”

“No, I don’t, never really have. I honestly think that it has something to do with what happened to Chibisuke that made me loose my love of sweets.”

Koume stopped in front of a house and Hiroyuki almost ran into her as he was focused on his conversation with Tiga. “We’re here.” She paused, “I don’t know if my parents are home yet, since they are helping with the preparations for the Festival, so let me see if they remember to get the guest room ready for you.” She smiled as she unlocked the door of the house. “Come on in, it’s super cold for near the end of November, the kotatsu is right there if you need to warm up.” She pointed to the kotatsu in the corner of the front room

Hiroyuki studied the house as he warmed up using the kotatsu. He could hear Koume rummage threw stuff probably getting the guest room ready for him; the house had a homely feel to it as the two members of the Tri-Squad who are effected by the cold gathered around the kotatsu.

“You know my dad told me a story of while he was on earth, not this one mind you but another earth, he dealt with a Kaiju who loved mochis.”

"Really?” Hiroyuki said with interest. It’s very rare to get Taiga to talk about his father without him going on about how he hated being compare to him, hated being in the shadow of his father’s achievements, and how he hates people telling him that he was just like his father. Taiga was not his father, he was his own person, thank you very much.

"Yeah, so the story goes like this.” Taiga began to tell the three the story that his father dubbed The Father of Ultra and Son Big Mochi-Making Strategy.

"So, your grandpa was able to talk to the Kaiju and find out that all it wanted was mochi?”

"Yep, I do have to cut my father some slack he only fought after he tried to find out what the Mochiron wanted but for some reason, that I don’t quite understand, it didn’t want to talk to my dad or anyone really until grandpa appeared.”

Taiga continue to tell stories of his father’s adventures on earth as Hiroyuki fell asleep underneath the kotatsu and eventually the Tri-Squad also fell asleep

#ultraman #ultraman taro #ultraman taiga #the tri-squad #winter time #cold weather #eleking

[gma-crafts]

The Purrposal

The biggest thanks to @iloveyou-3000 for beta-reading faster than I could say Boom! You’ve been such a big help! A big smooch to @robertdowneyjjr for being such a sweet co-parent to the feline trio - check out her fics about the catdad!ironhusbands linked below!

Word Count: 3,286 Warnings: just loads of fluff, “very soft and gay” - test readers Characters: James Rhodes, Tony Stark, and their cats Mochi, Susu and Jonathan Summary: Tony lost something. Rhodey offers his help. But sometimes you only know what you’ve been looking for when you find it.

*

“Honeeey?” “What?”  “Where’s my super suit?” “Whaaat??” 

“Where the hell did she go?” 

Rhodey drew his attention away from the movie he was watching. It’s not like he was able to actually concentrate on it anyway, ever since Tony slid into the room wearing his fuzzy socks  ten minutes ago, and started opening  drawers and doors, growing more and more frantic each time. Mochi, who had been sleeping on Rhodey’s lap, posing as a fluffy white bun, woke up from the ruckus and hopped off the couch to find a less noisy spot somewhere else in the house; and, honestly, Rhodey couldn’t blame her. 

“You good there, Tones?” He asked over his shoulder, though he doubted he’d get a proper answer. Ever since he and his boyfriend moved in together two years ago, those hectic outbursts with Tony forgetting about everything and everyone within a two-mile radius became one of the less pleasant parts of their everyday life. 

Don’t get him wrong, Rhodey loved waking up next to this beautiful disaster of a man, brushing back the mess of curls and watch those Bambi eyes flutter open. His military operations had him exposed to raw, untouched wilderness all over the planet, from desert sunrise to dusk setting over a snow-covered tundra. None of those ever had him stop and stare as when Tony’s soft, chocolatey gaze fell on him, spreading a warmth he almost felt physically. 

But while Rhodey was a romantic at heart, as well as hopelessly in love with his oldest friend, he also was a calm and rational man - you’d never see him run around like a headless chicken in search for anything. Whenever something would be misplaced (and Rhodey liked to make clear that he was in no way affiliated with losing it in the first place), he would track it down systematically. 

Tony, however, was different. He could hyper-fixate on a scientific concept for weeks, only to then revolutionize it in his basement workshop on a Friday afternoon. He kept track of  a multitude of important things with an ease Rhodey only could envy. But if Tony discovered his favourite hoodie, the Stark Tech drafts Pepper had been expecting for weeks or Jonathan’s catnip toy weren’t where he assumed they’d be, the genius was gone in no time. You could set a countdown from ninety seconds down and watch him turn from chill to hysteric once it hit zero. 

The time must’ve been up way before Tony dashed into their living room. Rhodey’s question went unheard and the bang of the highboard’s bottom drawer sounded particularly final. Rhodey hopped over the backrest with a small sigh - this goddamn hectic! - and squatted down next to one of the world’s richest people squirming on the ground, face pressed into the small gap between the expensive leather couch and the Italian oak floorboards , cooing and frolicking with a tremor in his voice that replaced Rhodey’s bewilderment with worry. 

“Care to tell me what you’re looking for?” 

“-t now, she’s gotta be here somewhere, f'god’s sake..”, came the muffled response. Rhodey gave his nose a small rub with his knuckle, more to gather himself than  to cure an itch; he then hooked his fingers in the belt loops of Tony’s cargo pants and tugged him closer, ignoring the small yelp of protest, and cupped his boyfriend’s face firmly. Rhodey would tear up over the pout Tony sported later, he had to remain serious now. 

“Babe. We talked about this. Stop making yourself all panicky and tell me what’s up.” Rhodey emphasized every sentence with planting a kiss on the absolute mess of curls, and with each, Tony’s grip on his wrists loosened a little. Finally he let some of his tension slip and leaned into Rhodey’s touch, still a bit out of breath from crawling all over the floor. His eyes were suspiciously bright when he finally answered.

“It’s Susu. I can’t find her! I looked for her all day, went through every room twice, I checked the laundry, all the drawers, I shook the treat box til I spilt half of them on the stairs, JARVIS went through the tapes for the last 48 hours, I checked all the beds and scratch trees. She. Is. Gone.” He huffed and slumped down against Rhodey’s chest, who immediately wound him into a hug. 

“I lost my baby, Platypus. Probably locked her out days ago without even noticing and now she got run over by a car or froze to death or the Chitauri abducted her to-” 

“Tony”, he cut off his boyfriend’s ramblings “First of all, nobody freezes to death in Malibu, especially not in June. Second of all, if she really had gotten lost outside, JARVIS wouldn’t have tracked her chip to still be inside this house. That was the very first thing you told him to do, remember?” 

Tony nodded, his hair tickling Rhodey’s cheek. “Remind me to enhance the accuracy down to the very inch she’s standing on”, he mumbled against his boyfriend’s shoulder, hands gripping tighter on the fabric of Rhodey’s henley, his cheek vibrating from the chuckle the taller man let out. 

“Anything, babe . But first let’s get you a snack and some water. Something’s telling me you haven’t eaten all day. And then we’ll find Susu together.” 

Tony frowned at that suggestion, and Rhodey would’ve laughed out loud ‘cause it made him look so much like that genius, stubborn teenage boy that burst into his dorm room years ago, throwing his world upside down. Instead, he just smiled into Tony’s disastrous bedhead one last time before urging him towards the pantry. 

Five minutes later, a granola-munching Tony followed Rhodey around as they searched for the smallest member of their feline bunch. It’s been almost a year since the two of them had adopted the pitch-black ball of fluff along with their oldest cat, Jonathan. Officially, they were brought into their little family to keep their first furbaby, Mochi, company; in reality, Rhodey had suggested taking in another cat after Mochi declared him his favourite person, and after Tony became less and less efficient in hiding that he was genuinely hurt by this decision. 

While Jonathan never missed the opportunity to strut all over Tony’s face with a satisfied purr every morning, Susu and him grew especially close. Of course, Tony turned down any attempt of Rhodey’s to point out how much alike they were - tiny, soft, energetic bundles of joy, always on the jump to their next adventure, experiencing the world around them with a mind so sharp and a curiosity so insatiable Rhodey gave up on trying to understand them long ago. And every time  he thought he finally had it sorted out, discovered the pattern, they’d turn around and surprise him with an entire new facette. But yeah, he was totally making all of that up. 

They decided to start with their bedroom, since this was where Susu was most likely to be found - if she wasn’t napping in one of the twelve cat beds scattered in Tony’s workshop. While both Jonathan and Mochi mastered the art of coincidentally wanting to take a nap in the room you were already in, Susu never made her affection for Tony a secret. Rhodey often caught her checking in on Tony between naps with her high-pitched meows, her soft purrs, sometimes shamelessly bumping her head into his arm until he caved in and gave her some much-needed  belly rubs. Those two chaotic goblins clinging to each other like conjoined twins made it even more suspicious that Susu hadn’t been seen for some hours now. 

Rhodey tried his best to hide that he began to worry about the kitten’s sudden disappearance. With Tony still padding along behind him, he entered the bedroom and decided to start his search counterclockwise. Rhodey made sure to include Tony as best as he could, make him feel useful and not spiral further down; he asked him to hold up the sheets while he tried to squeeze under the bed with soft coos, or made Tony get the treats while he went through the first third of their wardrobe. Tony did as he was told, way calmer now as if Rhodey’s presence alone helped him to not lose his marbles. 

He was in the middle of searching the top of their wardrobe as well as the upper compartments, when Rhodey heard a soft “Oh!” from across the room, where their dresser stood. He half jumped, half tumbled down the chair he was standing on and hurried over to where Tony hunched over the second to bottom drawer - the one with the old shirts Tony wore in his workshop. Rhodey sat down next to him, hand reaching to pull his boyfriend into a comforting hug, when he caught a glimpse of why Tony was on the verge of crying. 

Two very yellow, very sleepy-looking spots were blinking up to him from between two stacks of black shirts. He now realized that Tony wasn’t sobbing, but non-stop mumbling to the little black cat squeezed into the already crammed drawer; a wild mix of profanities and affectionate murmurs. Rhodey let out a sigh of relief and reached over Tony’s shoulder to scratch Susu’s ear, much to her delight. 

“-was so worried you stupid tiny fur noodle… checked this drawer like three times and you didn’t even wake up”, his boyfriend croaked and quickly wiped his face with his sleeve, before bending down and planting a big smooch on the kitten’s head. Susu responded with a friendly mewl and nuzzled her face against Tony’s cheek as if she hadn’t been M.I.A. for the past few hours, as if she was just checking in on him as usual, and yeah, now Tony cried. 

Carefully he wiggled his hands around Susu’s tummy, lifting her a bit before placing one hand underneath her hind legs for support. But Susu, who had been fast asleep not even two minutes ago, wasn’t so eager to leave her hideout yet, and when Tony pulled her closer to his chest, two of the shirts came along with the cat, attached to her claws only by a couple of threads. And with the shirts and a small thud, something else fell to the floor, and Rhodey’s heart jumped to his throat. 

“What’s that? You’ve been hoarding treasures in there, you stinky gremlin?”, Tony cooed, Susu pressed against him with one hand as he leaned down. Rhodey suppressed a small yelp; he had forgotten what he had put in that drawer until now. He tried to snatch it before Tony could see what it was, but both his hands had been too busy with running his boyfriend’s back up and down in soothing circles. A slim, calloused hand closed around the fine leather, and the soft words muttered into the kitten’s fur faded into silence. 

Rhodey waited for a reaction, any reaction, but Tony just sort of froze, staring at the box he held, dumbstruck. He had no doubt Tony recognized the logo embossed into the lid immediately, connected the dots, and the longer the only audible sound was Susu purring like a fuzzy Bentley, the more anxious he became.  

“Rhodey, is this what I think it is?” He didn’t look at the taller man, just slowly turned the box over and over in his hand, brows furrowed. Well, that wasn’t exactly a No, right? With gentle fingers Rhodey took the box from Tony’s grasp and flipped the lid open with his thumb, his eyes not leaving Tony’s face. 

The frown slipped off his boyfriend’s features like a heap of snow from a rooftop, his eyes glistening with emotion and a sob tugging on the corner of his mouth. Tony lifted Susu a bit higher, buried his face in her fur for a second before he gently sat her down on the dresser, and reached to touch the slim metal band sitting in a bed of dark velvet. 

“It’s made from our suits’ old chest plates. Y’know, that ‘piece of my heart’ thing. It’s sappy I know, but I liked it better than some fancy white gold or platinum,” Rhodey explained, more to calm his nerves than to actually share the info. Tony remained quiet, his thumb brushing over the anthracite metal, separated by a thin line of hot rod red and the tiny aquamarine sitting on top of it. Was that a smile? Yeah, but a sad one. Rhodey waited in anticipation for Tony to say something. 

“I, um… I guess you want to keep that now.” Rhodey’s heart death-dropped from his throat to the soles of his feet. What? 

“Tones, what are you talking about?” While he spoke, he set down the ring box on top of the dresser, where Susu gave it a curious sniff. 

“I spent way more time on coming up with the perfect moment to give it to you than I’m willing to admit. The only reason I haven’t asked to put it on your finger yet is ‘cause I’m having the hardest time finding words for just how much I love you, and how happy it’d make me to be at your side, as your husband.“ 

Tony still didn’t look at him, arms wrapped around himself tightly and, oh no, Rhodey knew what that meant. They were back to spiraling, but the different kind. Quickly he closed the gap between them, his hands squeezing into the space between Tony’s biceps and ribs, gently forcing his crossed arms apart. The smaller man giggled involuntarily, and shied away from getting wound into yet another hug, but Rhodey wasn’t having any of it; his hands remaining on Tony’s waist, he pushed slowly, but firmly, until his boyfriend had to give in to the pressure. 

Stumbling backwards until he hit the bed, Tony found himself harboured in by Rhodey’s arms on either side of his face, anchored down by the taller man hovering over him, so close he could feel Rhodey’s warm breath on his neck. It was hard letting your insecurities take the best of you, when the man you loved smiled down at you warm and tender like that. 

Tony had a history with pushing through hard times alone, no one there to offer him comfort, even if he had been able to ask for it. Rhodey knew that isolating himself became one of Tony’s default responses to emotional stress, and he tried his best to let him know, at least physically, that he didn’t need to endure everything alone. Little did he know that for Tony, every kiss and every hug felt like a heating pad on an aching muscle. 

"Tony. You’re the most brilliant yet most dense man I’ve ever met. Honestly, who looks at an engagement ring and goes ‘Oh, whoops! Must’ve been a mistake, that can’t possibly be for me’? I’ve spent years trying to figure out how that beautiful mind of yours works, and all it got me was a thinning hairline. So, Tones. Babe. Tell me what on earth makes you think I wouldn’t wanna marry you right here, right now?" 

Tony squirmed around beneath him, his eyes glistening again; Rhodey didn’t move an inch. They’d talk this out, and they’d do it now, before Tony fled into his workshop and had JARVIS lock him out for three days straight. 

"I- it’s just…”, Tony started, rather at a loss of words than reluctant to open up to his boyfriend; but eventually, the dam broke. 

“I don’t see how you could possibly wanna marry me after I spent all day going bonkers over a cat, after I roamed the entire house twice, like an idiot, cried about seven times and didn’t even think of asking you for help 'til you physically dragged me away from crawling underneath the couch and- and”, he caught a quick breath, before continuing twice as fast “And I’m clearly not fit to be a good and supportive husband to you when I can’t even keep my shit together over a trifle like this, and just bottle up instead of asking for help, when I disappointed you and Susu with acting like an actual five-year-old and I don’t even know wh-" 

The rest of the sentence was muffled by Rhodey’s lips on his, taking the breath for further rambling straight out of his lungs. The first sobs escaped Tony, and Rhodey switched to covering his face with pecks, kissing away the tear on his temple, brushing a thumb over the corner of his mouth until it lifted up into a tiny smile. Underneath him, Tony’s body was pliant now, and he just let Rhodey shield him from the world. 

“Sweetheart. Dearest idiot mechanic. You may have synthesized a new element, but being brilliant apparently made you forget that you threw no less than seven birthday parties for your bots. And that I attended all of them. Going feral over a missing cat is not what makes me love you less, it’s what made me fall for you in the first place. You care about things most people wouldn’t even notice. The only idiot here? Clearly me for waiting so long with proposing and finally make you mine, with all your quirks. If you want, that is,” he added quickly. 

And now Tony beamed, and he sobbed, and he hiccuped all at once, and goodness gracious how did he manage to look so disastrous yet so beautiful, Rhodey would never get used to this. Slender fingers tugged on his neck, pulling him into another kiss. 

“Of course I wanna marry my Platypus. ‘course I wanna be yours”, Tony muttered against his lips, the tears rolling down his face not only his now. Rhodey smiled into the kiss, hands finding their way into Tony’s hair, lips trailing down the arch of Tony’s neck like they did countless times before. And when he got a soft, delicate moan as an answer it really couldn’t get any better- Only that it could. 

“Hang in there for a sec”, Rhodey muttered and got up, scurrying over to where he left the ring on the dresser, with Susu guarding it like a fluffy loaf of bread. He reached for the box when a streak of muffled cusses erupted behind him. 

“G’dammit Jonathan! Off my face you fuzzy bastard I’m. Not. Catnip!” 

Rhodey turned around just in time to see the big grey tabby stretching out contentedly all over Tony’s head, as if he were his favourite toy. Tony’s efforts to get Jonathan off of him were sabotaged by Mochi, who had entered the room along with the older cat, and now took a seat on Tonys arm, making it useless in the man’s attempt to not suffocate. Rhodey grabbed both Susu and the box and hurried over to save his boyfriend - no! - his fiance. 

“Didn’t strike you as the one to wear fur, Tones”, he quipped as he lifted the tabby off of Tony. Jonathan shot him a disgraceful look, before he scattered off to see if he could find some more of the treats Tony spilt earlier; Mochi and Susu followed heel. While Tony sat up and wiped the cat hair off his face with his shirt, Rhodey smiled down on him, opening the box once more to finally place the ring where it belonged. The small ‘click’ made Tony look up; and when Rhodey reached for his hand, and the cool metal settled against his flesh, his smile didn’t falter for a second. 

“So, Babe,” Rhodey spoke after a minute of silence. He leaned forward until their lips met, softly pushing further, and Tony let himself sink back all too willingly. “Wanna pick up where we left off?”

#ironhusbands #tony stark #james rhodes #catdad!tony #catdad!rhodey #tonyrhodey #rhodey x tony

[jiminssizzles]

Track 4: Getaway Car

Summary: Hoseok is Bangtan’s sunshine and he has made it his life mission to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. He’s never seen much negativity in this world, always looking at the brighter side of things, until he met her.

Pairing: Jung Hoseok x named girl reader

Genre: Fluff, fluff, smut, fluff and ANGST

Warning: Unprotected sex. Have you watched ‘If Only’?

Word Count: 16k+

Author’s Note: Thank you so much, @minyoongail for beta-reading and creating the mood board! <3 16K is a lot of words, but you stayed patient, uwu <3  (Why are we still beating deadlines ever after work? :>)

Part of my TAYLOR SWIFT MIXTAPE SERIES

Tracklist:

Intro: Story of Us

Track 1: Daylight >> Park Jimin

Track 2: Afterglow >> Min Yoongi

Track 3: I Almost Do >> Kim Taehyung

Interlude: You Are In Love

Track 4: Getaway Car >> Jung Hoseok (You’re here!)

Track 5: _______ >> __________

Track 6: _______ >> __________

Track 7: _______ >> __________

Outro:

Interlude // Next Track

~

 It’s already 12 midnight and Bangtan still isn't done practicing. The practice room already smells sweaty, kinda slippery too because the members lie down after every set and their sweat just sticks to the floor. Hoseok looked at his bandmates, pulling them into a circle and sitting down with them (although most of them are lying down).

 “We’ll continue this tomorrow, alright? Or do you want to rest tomorrow?” He fiddled with his fingers, expecting that his bandmates will say that they want to rest tomorrow. “Let’s practice tomorrow,” the others simultaneously said, bringing Hoseok to a shock -- a good shock, that is. “Are you sure?”

 “We’re going to have a one month vacation anyway. Let’s just do our best until then.” Namjoon spoke, the others nodding to his direction. “Alright,” Hoseok said, standing up and helping the others up, “I’ll go home to Seungso-dong tonight, I think Jiwoo-noona left for a business trip.” They bid their goodbyes to him and he jokingly said, “Jimin, try not to mess up our room any further.” The younger boy just smiled and raised his thumb up.

 Hoseok decided to drop by a pub near his apartment. It’s not a high end pub, just a local pub where it’s dark and he won’t have to worry that anyone will recognize him. He saw a spot to park his car in when someone suddenly took over and parked their car first. Hoseok was infuriated, but he just held onto the steering wheel tighter because he couldn't blow his cover.

 A girl went out of the car and made her way near Hoseok’s window. She knocked on the window three times, Hoseok rolled his eyes first before pressing the button for the window to go down. He flashed her a smile, “Yes?” The girl is pretty, although she is in a disheveled state at that moment. “I’m sorry, I just need a drink right now and I need it, fast.”

 She did not wait for Hoseok to answer and ran off to the pub. The girl’s hair is tied up into a messy bun, strands of her hair falling off in every corner of her head. He’s wondering why the hell is she wearing a cropped top and shorts in this weather. He wanted to turn and just go home, but he found himself looking for another parking space just so he could look for the girl inside. It was like a match was lit up inside of him -- his curiosity getting the best of him as he went out of the car.

 He brought his extra jacket with him and went inside the pub. His eyes instantly landed on the girl that is sitting alone in the corner, downing a glass of beer. Hoseok sighed and walked to her, “Here.” He said, giving his jacket to the girl. “I don’t need that.” She replied, rolling her eyes and taking another shot of God knows what are these drinks in front of her.

 Hoseok sat on the chair in front of her, “Rough night?” The girl slurred, “Rough life.” Hoseok awkwardly nodded, looking around the almost empty pub, “Do you need more drinks?” The girl looked at him and tilted her head slightly, as if mocking him, “Why do you care? And why are you here? And who are you?”

 “You just look like… you need someone.” Hoseok honestly said, biting on his lower lip and avoiding her gaze. She downed another shot of one of her drinks and raised her voice, “There it is again! When will people realize that I can fucking live. this. life. alone?!” Hoseok raised his two hands as if surrendering himself, “Fine! Fine! I’m sorry, don’t shout.”

 The girl almost banged her head to the table -- good thing Hoseok catched her before the impact, “Have you been drinking all night?” The girl nodded, “This is my third location after being kicked out from the first two.”

 “Then don’t make them kick you out again. Get your shit together.” Hoseok replied while using his tone when he wants Bangtan to listen to him. If he can’t get her to listen while he’s being cheerful, then might as well use this authoritative tone.

 “I don’t care if they kick me out. People are mean anyway. Even my parents, they’re mean.” She rolled her eyes for the nth time tonight and Hoseok is not having any of it. He can’t believe that there’s a person who honestly thinks that people are mean. All his life, he knew that there are bad people, but calling everyone mean in general? There’s too much goodness for him in this world. Why does he feel like the girl didn’t have any?

 “What’s your issue with your parents?” He leaned her back to her chair and sat next to her. “They think they can give me away, just like that. They think that whatever they think is right for me. They think that I am their fucking robot, but I’m not.”

 Hoseok scrunched his face, “Give you away? What is this.. like child smuggling or what?” He asked, but the girl just keep rambling on. “The guy is not even nice to me. Borderline asshole!”

 The girl started to cry, making Hoseok panic internally. He just placed his hand on her back, rubbing it for comfort. She’s been sobbing non-stop, “The world is too cruel, even for me. I fucking built myself to be strong, but this world is too much.”

 Then she blacked out.

 ~

 Maine woke up in soft sheets and a dark room, the sunlight barely making it inside. She looked around and tried to remember hard where she ended up last night. The last thing she remembered was being kicked out of the second bar that she went into.

 Shit, stupid. She thought to herself. She sat on the edge of the bed and saw a post-it note with sunflowers as its borders along with a medicine and a glass of orange juice. 

 Drink this if you have a hangover! :) - H

 Huh, who is this H guy? She just drank the juice and medicine. Cupping her pockets, she’s thankful that her phone is still there. She smiled while checking it and saw that there are no notifications yet, Guess they haven’t discovered it yet.

 The door suddenly opened and she saw a boy wearing a colorful shirt going inside. “Hey, you’re awake.” The awkwardness in the room radiated from the two of them, “Uhm.. want to grab breakfast? I made fried rice and… other food.” The boy asked.

 She just nodded and followed him to the kitchen. The guy’s apartment is big. It’s spacious and it’s tidied up. The apartment has a minimalist vibe, but the displays are almost either colorful or cute. She snapped out from her reverie when the guy cleared his throat and pulled a chair for her which she sat on.

 “So, what’s your name?” He asked, she stared at him and focused, trying her best to shun the ache that’s clouding her head. “Aren’t you Jung Hoseok?” She replied. Hoseok sighed and nodded, “Yes, and you are?”

 “Maine.” She said with a straight face. Hoseok instantly smiled, “Nice to meet you, Maine. How did you know me?” Hoseok knew it was a dumb question. He’s a celebrity and the girl might have seen him on a couple of ads or on a performance.

 “Before I answer that, why did you bring me here? I can be a bad person, for all you know.” She crossed her arms and leaned on the chair. “You can be a bad girl for all I know, but you can also be a good girl that needs to understand the world more.” He answered, giving her fried rice on her plate.

 What the hell did I tell him last night? She shrugged at the thought and replied with no emotion on her face, “How can I understand the world? I never had any choice in it.” Hoseok bit his lower lip and nodded, “Yeah. That seems to be your problem since last night. Mind to share why?”

 Maine doesn’t know if she can trust him or not, but who cares? She’s bound to leave this place anyway, “Baby steps. I don’t want to overshare, but just so you know, I am Seokjin’s cousin. Now, I appreciate you being nice to me, but I need to go. And don’t tell Seokjin that you met me. Where’s my car?”

 Hoseok told her that he left it in the pub where they met last night. He heard her whisper, “Tch. Too close.” Then she made her way to the door, getting her car keys on top of the counter and went straight out.

 The girl never left his mind ever since. He doesn’t know what to make out of the things that she said. If she’s Seokjin’s cousin, then maybe she came from a rich family too. If she came from a rich family, why does she sound so miserable? If she really is that miserable, then why?

 ~

 “Three months? You’re going to stay there in Paris for three months?” Hoseok purposely enlarged his eyes, making Jiwoo laugh as they’re having a video call before Bangtan starts practicing. “Hi Jiwoo-noona!!” Jungkook said when he passed by, Jimin and Taehyung grabbed the phone from Hoseok and waved their hands to Jiwoo too. “Noona! Take something home for us!” Taehyung said while flashing his boxy smile, “Fine! I will.”

 “I want to taste macarons, noona!” Jimin said, squeezing himself into the camera’s view. “But you already look like a mochi, baby boy.” Jiwoo answered, making the two laugh. “I didn’t expect you to be part of this teasing, noona.” Jimin smiled and said his goodbyes, “Take care there!”

 They gave the phone back to Hoseok and started stretching. “What are you going to do there for three months?” Jiwoo answered, “Just fashion stuff. Don’t worry about me! Start practicing and don’t slack off!”

 “When did Hoseok ever slack off?” Yoongi commented and also waved to Jiwoo before joining the boys on the practice room floor. “Alright, noona. Take care of yourself there!” Hoseok waved again to his sister and turned the video call off.

 Seokjin entered the room with Namjoon and they both went straight to the boys. Whenever Hoseok sees Seokjin, he can’t help but think about Maine. The girl literally said things that are different from his perspective and his curiosity is not helping him either. He wanted to know what's happening to her.

 But he can’t even ask Seokjin.

 ~

 Hoseok’s on his way to his apartment in Seungso-dong when he saw Maine’s car parked on the side. The car looks like it has been left hastily so he went to check it. He pulled over and peeked through the window, but no one's inside.

 “Do you know the owner?” Hoseok heard a voice from behind and looked at the one who talked. He is a tall man that is wearing corporate clothes. He looks like a CEO of a company, or maybe it’s just him. What if he’s one of the people that Maine is talking about? “No, I don’t know the owner. I just thought the car was broken or something. Came to help.” He smiled at the guy and went back to his car.

 It’s good that his car is tinted. He stayed there for a minute or two and looked at what the guy is about to do. Looks like he’s just waiting for Maine to come back. Hoseok wanted to wait for her too, but he thought of the way she just went out of his apartment without even saying thanks. If the girl didn’t like company, then do he even have rights?

 When the elevator opened on his apartment floor, he was shocked to see Maine sitting in front of his door, her face buried on top of her knees and she’s hugging a backpack too. Hoseok did not mean to, but his feet automatically rushed to her. He knelt beside her, “Hey. What are you doing here?” She faced him and he saw how tear stricken her face is.

 “What happened?” He asked again. Maine grabbed his arm and tears started flowing again from her eyes, “Please keep me. Please hide me. Please, don’t tell anyone that I’m here. Please, I’m begging. Please, Hoseok, please.” Her head dipped down again, her voice wavering from all the sobs she’s producing.

 Hoseok pulled her up and opened his apartment door. Grabbing the backpack that she was hugging, he led her in and made her sit on the couch. He just stared at her while getting a glass of water. He feels like he’s with a different girl now. She became so vulnerable and scared. The girl he met a week ago would not even stay for breakfast, and now he’s begging him to keep her?

 Strange.

 He gave her the glass of water and she finished it in one drinking. She looks so exhausted and more disheveled than her wasted state that he saw a week ago. “They found me.” She said in a barely audible voice.

 “Who found you?” He shifted his position to face her. Maine kept on fiddling with her fingers, “My family. They found me.” Hoseok can’t hide his confusion, “Isn’t that good? Why are you hiding?”

 “You don’t understand.” She said, still looking down. Hoseok sighed, his mind exhausted too from all of the words that she says that he can’t seem to decode, “Then make me understand.”

 “Won’t you let me stay if I don’t make you understand?” She’s biting her lower lip again, doing her best not to cry.. again. Hoseok felt like there’s something tugging on his heart, and he doesn’t even understand why the hell does he care. “I’ll let you stay, even if I don’t understand.”

 With a deep breath, Maine faced Hoseok and saw the confusion in his eyes. She can’t see any judgment, just confusion and comfort. He feels welcoming, or maybe that’s what she wanted to believe. She was about to answer his question but he spoke first, “You can rest in the room that you slept in a week ago. I’ll order dinner for us.”

 She nodded and stood up, making her way to the room. Before closing the door, she called out to him, “Hoseok..” He stopped what he’s doing on his phone for a while and looked at her too, “Yep?” She bowed slightly to him, “Thank you for letting me stay.” Then she smiled and closed the door.

 Hoseok felt his heart skip a beat. He smiled to himself, At least now I know that she knows how to smile, he thought. He completed his order and left his phone at the kitchen counter. Walking back to the living room, he decided to rewatch his favorite movie “If Only”.

 Fifteen minutes into the movie, he heard Maine’s door open. She went out of the room wearing only a shirt and shorts. “What are you doing? Oh--” She looked at the big television screen, “You like ‘If Only’?” She asked. “Yeah, it’s actually my favorite. You can watch with me.” Hoseok scooted to the right side of the couch to make room for Maine.

 She sat beside him, leaning on the couch too, “Why is it your favorite? You know the girl died in a car crash, right?” Hoseok nodded, “I know! I’ve watched it more than ten times already. It still hurts though, even if I know what’s going to happen.” Maine sighed, “Then why do you keep watching it?”

 “For one, it keeps on reminding me that no matter how much fame, money and people adore me as a BTS member, nothing beats the people I know personally.. and that I should show my love for them every chance I can get.” He said while smiling at her. “Wow, that’s deep. I didn’t know you’re a serious person.” Maine replied, focusing on what’s happening in the movie.

 “So you thought I was all fun and games and jokes?” Hoseok asked while looking at her. Maine nodded and looked at him too, “I’ve only watched a couple of your clips with Seokjin. The two of you literally make everybody laugh. You make everybody happy, Hoseok.”

 “If that’s the case, then may I know if I make you laugh?” He asked while wiggling his eyebrows. Maine felt that he’s just doing that to make her laugh as she’s been nothing but sulky ever since they met, “Yeah. You did. A couple of times.” Hoseok nodded with a smug smile on his face.

 “Don’t be too full of yourself.” Maine commented and returned her gaze on the movie. “I’m not. It’s just nice to know that I can make a stone-hearted girl smile.” Hoseok returned his focus on the movie too. Maine threw him a quick glance and kept her smile to herself.

 They were quiet for the rest of the movie, only talking whenever they reacted to the movie scenes. The doorbell rang, Hoseok stood up first, “That must be our dinner. I’ll just get it.” Maine nodded and stood up to go to her room. When she came back, Hoseok is already placing the food on the dining table, opening it one by one.

 Maine stood beside him, “Hey.” Hoseok looked up and saw Maine giving him cash, “What is this for?” She bit her lower lip, half embarrassed but mostly grateful that he’s letting her stay here, “Since I feel like I’m going to crash here for a while, take this as my share in everything here. I don’t want to feel guilty for the electricity, water and food I’ll be consuming on my stay here.”

 “No need. This is free.” Hoseok pushed her hand gently to return the cash back to her side. “I don’t want it to be free,” she stubbornly said. Hoseok rolled his eyes and showed her his straight smile. He pulled her to her chair and made her sit, “You said that the world is cruel to you, right?”

 Her eyebrows furrowing, “When did I say that?” Hoseok sat on his own chair, “Hmm, on the first night that we met, on the pub, before you blacked out.” He pushed the food to her, “Eat.” She put a generous amount of pork and kimchi on her plate, “Oh, but it’s true. This world is cruel.”

 “If that’s the case, Maine, I’m going to show you that this world is not cruel and you can be happy. Keep your money, I got you from now on.” Hoseok started eating while Maine just stared at him, face still expressionless.

 She started eating too, thinking about how she was planning to just go after a day or two. She thought about her plans of going far away from here. Hoseok is too good for her, always so welcoming, always making her feel at ease. She never felt at ease her whole life which is why this is something new to her, something uncomfortably comfortable for her.

 Maine is really Seokjin’s cousin, one of his closest to be exact. When Seokjin is not yet an idol, they’re always together whenever there’s a family reunion, considering that her mother and Seokjin’s father are siblings. It just so happened that when he became an idol, a problem in their family business arised causing the drift between their parents. Seokjin became busy with BTS too, only talking to her occasionally.

 All her life, her parents told her what to do. When she was in middle school, her parents were the ones who decided where she’ll study, even if it means going away from her friends. When she was about to start college, she wanted to take up a medicine related course, but her parents wanted her to take a business course. They told her that it would cost her less time studying at school and more time studying how to take over the business soon.

 Her only escape is to ask her parents for her to live in her own dorm. She moved everytime she switched schools. She didn’t have a permanent home, not even considering her own house her home. All her life, none of her decisions matter, if it will not benefit their business, her parents’ answer will always be no.

 She was pulled out of her thoughts when Hoseok put his chopsticks down, indicating that he’s already done eating. “I’ll clear this up,” Maine volunteered, “Thank you, Hoseok.” He wiped his mouth with a tissue, “For what?” Maine started gathering the used food containers and placed them in the paper bag, “For everything… that you’re saying and what you’re planning to do.”

 “Anytime.” Hoseok smiled and tapped her shoulder. He went inside his own room to wash his face and to get ready for bed. He was letting his face mask dry when he received a text from Jimin, “Hyung, Mickey won’t eat.. maybe he’s looking for you?” Hoseok laughed and called Jimin.

 “Jiminie,” He said, Jimin shuffled on the other line, shifting on his own bed, “Yes, hyung?” Hoseok chuckled, “Mickey didn’t eat? Or you watched a horror movie and you just want someone to sleep in the same room as you?” He heard Jimin whining on the other line, “Hyuuuung… Insidious is so scary!! Why does Jungkook watch that?!” Hoseok laughed loudly, “Tell Jungkook to sleep in my bed instead! Goodnight, Jimin.” He listened to Jimin whining and complaining for a while before ending the call. The last thing he heard was, “Jungkook! Hobi-hyung told me that you should sleep in his bed tonight.”

 Babies, he muttered to himself, removing his face mask and laying down in bed. He’s set to go back to Bangtan’s house tomorrow anyway. He thought of Maine being in the other room, still wondering what went wrong in her life to make her that scared of her family. For now, he has a new mission, and that is to show her that life isn’t so bad and not all people will let her down.

 ~

 Usually, Hoseok only goes home to Seungso-dong once a week. With Maine there, he found himself going home to Seungso-dong four times a week. Maine doesn’t know this, she thought that maybe BTS living together is a hoax because Hoseok is just present there all the time.

 In contradiction to Maine’s original plans, she doesn’t know why she's still there. She told herself that she’ll only stay for days, 3 days being the maximum, but it’s already been a week and she’s still there. Two weeks into being roommates, she found herself waiting for Hoseok to get home even if she’s not sure if he’s going to sleep there that night. Hoseok helped her a lot, from changing her number, to stocking up food in the apartment just so she can eat when he’s not there, to giving her the password to anything -- his apartment (although she won’t go out), his Netflix account and everything that she can use in the apartment.

 The front door opened and Hoseok entered, both of them instantly smiling at each other the moment their eyes met. “Hey! You’re home. I made Kimchi stew.” Hoseok hid his surprise, his gaze softening as Maine stood up from the couch and went to the kitchen to prepare the dining table. “Ya! Why? You really didn’t have to.” He said, still suppressing his happiness.

 “I just felt an itch to cook, so here we are.” She placed a bowl of Kimchi stew and rice in front of Hoseok. They became comfortable with each other now, sitting next to each other while eating instead of being on both ends of the table. Hoseok took a sip of the stew, his eyes immediately landing on Maine again, “Is it required in your family to be good cooks?” The girl chuckled, “No. That’s just me and Seokjin. It was our hobby when we were still kids.”

 “Don’t you miss your family?” Hoseok asked, still having no idea why Maine is trying to run away from them. “No. Seokjin, maybe, but the rest, no.” Maine put a spoonful of rice in her mouth, “It’s kinda funny -- that I ran into you and you’re Seokjin’s bandmate.” Hoseok just smiled, “Don’t you want him to know that you’re with me?”

 “No..” She started playing with her food, lost in thought again, “I guess he doesn’t know that I ran away, because if he did, he’ll go find me.” Hoseok stopped eating and focused on Maine instead, “To return you to your family?” Maine just smiled, “No, I know Seokjin. He wouldn’t make me do anything that I don’t want.”

 “Is your family making you do something that you don’t want?” Hoseok innocently asked. Maine stared at him, she wanted to tell him everything that’s bothering her -- from her childhood up to the reason why she is running away, but she can’t, not now. “I’m not yet ready to talk about it. Not opening up to people, I think that’s my habit.” She bit her lower lip and looked down.

 Hoseok put his arm around her, rubbing her shoulder, “It’s okay if you’re not yet ready, but habit is also a dangerous thing. Change is good once in a while. Talk to me when you want to or don’t. Do whatever you want. You’re free here.” Reassuring her with a smile and a gentle tap on her back.

 Maine can’t help but look at him again. It’s the first time that someone treated her this good, great even, even if he doesn’t know anything about her. For the first time, she wanted to open up. For the first time in ages, she felt like someone could understand her. “Hoseok,” she said, almost close to a whisper. He just looked at her and raised his eyebrow as if asking what she needed.

 “Can I hug you?” She asked, but spoke again, “You know what, I don’t need your permission.” And just like that, she hugged him tight, as if she’s holding on for her dear life. Hoseok huffed into a smile and hugged her back, “Stubborn.” He whispered.

 She pulled away from the hug, her eyebrows furrowing. Hoseok was quick to pull her again to another hug, “But I did not say that I don’t like it. I mean, just keep doing you. I like you here anyway,” Hoseok stuttered, “Not that I’m saying that I like you. It’s just.. uhm, you know, happier when you’re here. But I did not say that you cannot go if you wan--”

 Maine gave him a peck on the lips, “Too much information. TMI. TMI.” She teased, making Hoseok laugh even if he feels shy already. His head is over the clouds because of the kiss, making him smile as if there’s no tomorrow.

 “Hey, I’m driving home to Gwangju tomorrow. Do you want to come with me?” Hoseok asked, hope evident on his face. “That’s your province?” Hoseok just nodded. “Of course. I’m bummed here.” She answered, giving him a soft smile.

 ~

 The next morning, Maine is the first one to come out of her room along with her things. Hoseok wants to spend at least five days in Gwangju and she will just tag along. While waiting for him to come out, she decided to finally open her Facebook account after weeks of not logging in just so she could ignore the messages from her parents. As soon as she opened it, the messages kept on popping up. As expected, her parents did not stop messaging her until late last night.

 Eomma: Do you really think that we can’t find you? Baby, come home, before things get out of hand.

Eomma: We just want a great future for you. This will be the best for all of us, especially for you. Don’t you get it?

Eomma: Your father is already furious. This has been going on for so long, Charmaine. Come home.

 Hoseok suddenly went out of his room, carrying his own things and grabbing his car keys before heading to the door, “Let’s go?” He opened the door for Maine and followed her outside. Maine took one last glance on her mother’s message to her and typed a quick reply.

 Charmaine: No.

 She quickly logged off and followed Hoseok to the elevator, flashing him a wide smile because he really looks excited to go home to his hometown. Hoseok is wearing something that he would wear in airports, complete with his face mask. “You look good,” Maine commented as they entered the elevator. “You’re not so bad either,” Hoseok replied. The elevator door closed and they were enveloped in silence, Maine thinking about what or who awaits her on Gwangju.

 “Are your parents there?” She asked. “Yup,” Hoseok nodded and looked at her, “Why? Are you scared of them?” Maine shook her head, “No. At this point, I’m scared of being left alone here.” The elevator door opened to the ground floor.

 Maine stopped on her tracks, looking at the guy standing outside the elevator, “Why are you two together?” Seokjin asked with his eyebrows furrowed. Maine instantly grabbed his arm, running to the corner, Seokjin repeatedly saying, “Ya! Ya! Ya! Answer me!” Hoseok followed the two of them, hiding with them in the mailbox room of the building.

 “Seokjin, I swear, please, don’t rat me out.” Maine pouted in front of Seokjin, continuously brushing both of her hands against each other. Seokjin gave her a flick on the forehead, “They’ve been looking for you for weeks and you’re with Hoseok?!” Hoseok’s eyes widened, “You knew she was missing, hyung?” He asked.

 “Of course, I knew! Her parents thought I was keeping her with me, but here she is with you.” Seokjin’s frustration is evident in his voice, he looked at Maine again, “Charmaine. You better tell me why they are looking for you and why did you run away from them.” Maine’s eyes went back to Hoseok then to Seokjin then to Hoseok again.

 “Seokjin, Hoseok doesn’t know yet.. Please, just let me tell him first. I swear, I’ll call you after.” Maine pleaded, Seokjin sighed and hugged her, “I really thought you were missing. I went by your house, that’s why I’m here, because I thought about visiting Hoseok too.” Seokjin finally noticed the bags that the two are holding, “Where are you two going?”

 “To Gwangju.” Hoseok answered, Seokjin getting a little confused. “Are you two dating? Are you gonna let her meet your parents?” The two are quick to deny, “No!” They both said, “We’re not.” Seokjin laughed teasingly and kissed Maine’s forehead, “You’re really hard-headed. Take care. Call me as soon as you can.”

 Maine raised her pinky finger in front of Seokjin. He smirked and laced his pinky finger with hers, “Yes, I won’t tell.” Maine flashed her genuine smile and hugged Seokjin again, “I miss you so much, Seokjinnie.” Seokjin laughed and pushed her gently, “Okay, stop saying things I wanted to hear just so I won’t tell your parents that I found you. Go now.”

 Seokjin calls Hoseok again before they leave the mailbox room, “Hoseok, take care of her.” Hoseok just raised his thumb up and went out with Maine. The two walked to Hoseok’s car quietly, Maine avoiding his gaze.

 Hoseok is still quiet as he was driving to Gwangju. Maine kept fiddling with her fingers, “Hoseok, I’m Dong Charmaine.” Hoseok gave her a side glance, “Hi, I’m Jung Hoseok.” He answered playfully, making it light for Maine if she wanted to finally share what’s happening in her life.

 Maine chuckled, “All my life, my parents decided for me. From what I should wear, how I should act, who should be my friends, where I should study -- but I really didn’t want any of it. I always stayed away from them, living almost my entire teenage life in a dorm. Until I can’t stand it anymore.” Hoseok nodded, as if saying he understands, then asked her the most difficult question for her to answer, “Why?”

 Honestly, it was easy to tell him the truth. Was. It’s hard now because she already has these feelings that she shouldn’t have, not when she’s still planning to leave him after this Gwangju trip.

 “My parents wanted me to marry a man I’ve never even met. I mean, I met him, formally, but not really.. get to know him.” She confessed. Hoseok’s eyes widened, “But Anna, you can’t marry a man that you just met.” Hoseok jokes, although Maine can see that he is already faking his smile.

 “I don’t want to marry him. They told me that the marriage has been arranged ever since I was fifteen! I’ve had enough. This is my forever we’re talking about, not just some pesky part of their business deals!” Maine crossed her arms in frustration, her eyebrows almost close together because of her scrunched forehead.

 Hoseok pulled one of her arms, held her hand and kissed the back of it, “I know we don’t have anything established right now, but I’m sure as hell that I don’t want you marrying someone you don’t even know.” Maine looked at him endearingly, biting the inside of her lower lip to hold back the pout that she was about to do, “Thank you.” She mumbled.

 Hoseok’s eyes were focused on the road, “Nah. Thank yourself. You’re too lovable to give away just like that.”

 ~

 “Your house is surprisingly… average-sized.” Maine commented as they both got out of the car. Hoseok just smiled, “It’s nice to keep your roots as it is. It feels like home more for me.” He winked at her, “Let’s go in?”

 Maine breathed deeply before walking with him, “What if they think that I’m your girlfriend?” She asked again before Hoseok entered the house, “So? I’d love to have you as my girlfriend.” He smiled again with his ever infectious smile that makes everything brighter in this dark world for Maine. She did not get the chance to answer because Hoseok already opened the door, “Eomma!” She heard him say, then he rushed to hug his parents.

 She stopped by the door frame, Hoseok greeted his parents cheerily and for a moment, she found herself smiling. If only her parents are like this, she thought. Hoseok immediately pulled her inside after hugging his parents, introducing her as Seokjin’s cousin who’s crashing at his place for a while. Maine is already preparing her answer to the question ‘Why is she crashing with you?’, but she heard a different question instead.

 “And you’re not dating?” Hoseok’s father asked, smiling sheepishly at his own son. Hoseok and Maine just smiled at each other. Hoseok doesn’t want to pressure her to anything yet, despite his heart having hopes because of a simple kiss. Maine, on the other hand, feels very impulsive when it comes to Hoseok, never really planning on what to do and what to say next to him. It just naturally comes out, “Maybe, we’ll date in the near future.. if he asks?” She suddenly answered while looking at him which made Hoseok eyes widen.

 Hoseok’s mother smiled, tapping her son’s shoulder, “Your father doing it for you, sweetie.” She teased, making Maine laugh. Maine is never really that comfortable around people, her anxiety always getting the best of her. Hoseok feels different, even his family. They just radiate so much positive energy which makes her heart feel warm and at ease. Hoseok’s parents stood up and made their way to the kitchen, telling the two that they will prepare the lunch table so they can eat.

 Hoseok led her to Jiwoo’s room along with her things, “You can stay here for the week. Jiwoo-noona’s on a business trip anyway. Just don’t touch her things, okay?” Maine nodded and walked inside, “I’ll arrange my things here first.” She said and was about to close the door when Hoseok stopped it from closing, “The thing you said back there..” Maine stared at him, “What? Which one?” Hoseok cleared his throat, “The one about dating in the near future?” Maine bit her lip to suppress her smile, “Yeah, what about it?” She crossed her arm and leaned on the door frame, closing the gap between them. “I was wondering if the near future can be now?” Hoseok asked.

 Maine chuckled, feeling her heart thumping on her own chest, “Okay, Hoseok.” She smiled at him and Hoseok can’t contain his happiness, stomping on the floor and smiling that reaches his eyes, “Really?” Maine just nodded, pulling him into a hug. She buried her face on his neck, then she felt Hoseok hugging her tighter. “I wouldn’t miss dating you for the world.” She murmured, Hoseok kissing the top of her head.

 “When did we become this sweet?” Hoseok asked. Maine pretended that she was thinking, drumming her fingers on her jaw, “Hmm. Maybe after I ranted about how shitty my life is and how I am a mess and you still accepted me.” He just nodded and pulled away from the hug, “You can be homeless and have tattered clothes and I’ll still accept you.”

 “Hoseok, I am homeless.” Maine laughed at her own joke, considering that she really ran away from her house. Hoseok cupped her face, “Not anymore.” Maine couldn’t help but smile at him again. This might be the first time in a while that she’s been smiling a lot. “I’m going to help them set the table first, I’ll call you when we can eat already.”

 Maine nodded and mouthed a ‘thank you’ to Hoseok before closing the door. She leaned on the back of the door, clutching on her chest. Whenever Hoseok is in front of her, she wants nothing but to just be with him and say yes to him to anything. Now that she’s alone again, she started thinking again about how she can’t stay in one place because they will surely find her.

 How does she leave now? How does she leave him now? How will she find a reason to leave now when Hoseok is slowly becoming her reason for everything?

 ~

 On their third day in Gwangju, Hoseok suddenly entered Maine’s room, jolting her awake. “Fuck, what?” She mumbled while hugging one of Jiwoo’s pillows. Hoseok laughed and went beside her, “Look at my girlfriend being the sweetest ever. Saying ‘fuck’ to me first thing in the morning.” He teased. Maine smiled while her eyes still closed, “I’m sorry, you shocked me.”

 “Forgiven, but get up. Let’s go to Gwangju Family Land!” Hoseok said, making Maine turn and face him, “The amusement park? Let’s go!” Maine got up and went straight to the bathroom. Hoseok pouted while thinking that she forgot his morning kisses. He stood up also and headed for the door when the bathroom door opened and Maine wrapped her arms on his neck and kissed him on the cheek, “Good morning!” She ran back to the bathroom and closed the door again.

 Hoseok smiled to himself, thinking about how much Maine changed from the day they met. She’s literally gloomy when they first met, but now, it just feels like she radiated sunshine too.

 Before going to the amusement park, Hoseok wanted to grab lunch first since it’s already noon and they haven’t even eaten breakfast yet. While Hoseok is busy ordering their food, Maine stayed inside the car to call Seokjin. She used Hoseok’s phone just to be safe, Seokjin picking up on the third ring.

 “Hoba,” Seokjin said on the other line. “It’s me,” Maine said. “Ya, Charmaine! I’ve been waiting for three days, brat.” She knows that Seokjin’s eyebrows are furrowed which made her chuckle at the thought, “I’m sorry, Seokjinnie. This is the most fun I’ve had ever since we were little.” She said, suddenly opening up about another thing, “I think I really have strong feelings for Hoseok, Jin.”

 Seokjin sighed on the other line, “This is why I can’t understand you, Charmaine. You know you can’t stay in one place, right? Our family’s been there before, besides, I love both you and Hoseok and if that feelings turn into something more, it will become complicated.” Maine massaged her temples and closed her eyes, she knows Seokjin is right. “We’re dating,” she mumbled.

 “I can literally smack your head right now, Dong Charmaine!” Seokjin said in frustration. “Now that you’re dating, what do you plan to do? Do you plan on leaving him? Charmaine, I’m telling you I’m straight up pissed right now. I try my best to not include my bandmates in any family drama we have!”

 “Oppa, I don’t know. I wanted to leave him, but I can’t find a reason to. He makes me happy, and I feel good about myself. I feel like I’m worth keeping.” Maine explained, Seokjin stared into blank space because he knew it’s serious when Charmaine started calling him ‘oppa’ -- she almost never did. “Charmaine, it’s not love if it only makes you feel good about yourself. It’s love if it makes you feel good about yourself AND it makes you feel good because the other one is happy too. It should never be one sided. Am I making sense?” Seokjin asked for confirmation.

 “I get it, oppa. I just.. love it every time he’s around, you know? I waited for him every night to come home when we were staying in Seungso-Dong. I don’t want to marry another man, oppa, please..” Maine bit her lip, preventing the sob to come out again. Seokjin knows how much she doesn’t like this. He knows that Maine compromises as much as she can, but he thinks she can’t compromise this one anymore, causing her to run away from home.

 “I just don’t want you and Hoseok to hurt each other. You understand that, right? I’ll try to find a way to get around this shitty thing they’re trying to do. Just hide with him for the meantime.” He comfortingly said -- his mind going haywire on what can he do to make it right for the two, “Who do they want you to marry anyway?”

 “Choi Dong Woo.” She answered, Seokjin gasping on the other line but is surely overreacting it, “That guy’s horrible! I met him at some gatherings though. All he can talk about is business, money.. and you!” Shocked by what Seokjin said, she asked him again, “Me? He likes me?”

 “Yeah, since forever, but I know the guy, Charmaine. I went with him for a few afterparty drinks before, he’s not your type. Besides, I think he’ll always be dominant with you. Just stay with Hoseok.” Seokjin said, making Maine laugh, “You’re biased! Anyway, I don’t really like him, oppa. The first time we met in his house, the first thing he did was to invite me to his.. room. The nerve.”

 There it is, Seokjin’s windshield wiper laugh, “What the fuck!” He commented, still laughing out loud, “He’s not even slick. Fine, I get it. I get why you don’t want this.” Maine saw Hoseok going out of the restaurant and walking to the car, “Hoseok’s out of the restaurant, I need to go.” She said to Seokjin while laughing with him.

 “Take care, you two! I’ll update you through Hoseok’s phone on what I can do for you.” Seokjin said his goodbyes and hung up. Hoseok opened the door on the driver’s side, entering the car with a bag of food. “Gourmet food to eat at the car, a new thing to me.” He said. “Aren’t we quite the romantic ones?” Maine commented, Hoseok kissing her cheek before bringing out the food from the bags.

 ~

 Upon entering Gwangju Family Land, the first thing they did was to buy cute headbands, Maine laughing and joking if Hoseok is trying to copy Weightlifting Fairy, Kim Bok Joo. After that they went on with the rides, Hoseok not wanting to try anything extreme while Maine wants to do everything extreme. “If you want to try everything that’s extreme, I’ll let you go with Jungkook next time!” Hoseok said, pulling her to the carousel.

 Maine pouted, “Jungkook likes extreme rides? Maybe he should be my boyfriend.” She joked, but she saw Hoseok having a creased forehead. The next thing she knew, he was already pulling her to the highest roller coaster on the park. Maine couldn’t hide her smile as they sit on the ride, “We can still go out, you know.” She said while Hoseok is grabbing her hand to hold. “Let’s just do it.”

 The coaster started moving, slowly at first, which made Hoseok open his eyes and look at how high they are getting at. Just as when he’s about to say how pretty it is from this high up, the coaster suddenly dropped, making Hoseok shriek and Maine laughing out loud because of him. Hoseok gripped on Maine’s hand hard and gripped on the safety bar harder. He did not stop shouting until the ride was over, Maine’s eyes welling up with tears at how hard she laughed.

 “It’s dark already,” Maine said while they’re eating tteokboki from one of the food stands, “Maybe we should go to the ferris wheel already? Or you don’t want that because it’s too high up?” She asked, wiping the sauce that smudged on Hoseok’s side lips. Hoseok stopped to think for a while, then just said, “No, let’s do it.”

 They were holding hands for the whole day, even when they were still in the car, even when they’re in the rides. Hoseok immediately sat down after entering the ferris wheel. He wrapped his arm around Maine’s shoulder as they went higher. The ferris wheel completes 2 rotations until it slows down so everyone gets to stop on top.

 “You’ve been brave today,” Maine said while holding Hoseok’s hand that is dangling on her shoulder. They were at the top that time, looking down on the pretty lights of the amusement park and Gwangju. “Why?” Hoseok asked. “Well, for one, you tried all the extreme rides with me..” She chuckled.

 Hoseok smiled at her, “You make me feel brave, and I’ll brave anything for you.” Maine looked at him when she saw that he’s already looking at her. “When I said that I don’t want you marrying a man you never even met, I actually meant I don’t want you marrying someone who isn’t me.”

 Maine bit her lip and smiled, “Now, you’re really getting brave.” Hoseok attached his lips to her at that moment, not caring anymore if they’re high up and he’s goddamned scared. He found what scares him the most, and that’s losing her. Hoseok was already pulling her to straddle his lap, but Maine pulled away. “Not here,” she said.

 “Tease,” He shot back and kissed her forehead.

 The make out session in the car was not like anything else they’ve done before. It ached that they were sitting on their chairs respectively. It ached that they are not as close as they wanted to be. Maine pulled away to catch her breath, whispering while her face was buried on Hoseok’s neck, “Just drive home, please..” Hoseok nodded and immediately drove the car out to the driveway.

 Maine was busy playing with one of Hoseok’s hands while he was driving back home. She thinks this is the first time she saw him drive that fast, making her giggle. “You’re handsome,” she said, intertwining her hand with his. She stared at Hoseok while he’s driving, his hair slightly disheveled into a brush up, his lips slightly parted as he smirked. “Stop checking me out, or I’ll check you out.” Hoseok flirtingly jokes.

 “Hoseok, please do. Be my guest.” Maine fired back. Hoseok hastily parked his car in their garage, pulling Maine out of the car. They quietly entered the house, still holding hands, then they came to the hallway wherein Jiwoo’s room door is just across Hoseok’s. They both stared at it, but Hoseok is the first one to react, carrying Maine to his room. 

 He leaned Maine’s body on the back of the door to close it, attacking her lips and kissing her roughly than before. Maine automatically wrapped her arms around his neck, grasping on his hair at the back of his head. Hoseok trailed wet kisses to her jaw, down to her neck, and gently settled her on his bed. He removed Maine’s top, his top following hers on the floor right after.

 “We did not even open the lights,” Maine whispered while Hoseok is busy sucking a hickey below her right collarbone. His kiss trailed upward again, now on the side of her neck, while he’s working the button of her pants to take them off, “Why? You want to see me?” Hoseok asked, pulling her pants off her legs.

 Maine chuckled, “How do I check you out properly if it’s this dark?” Hoseok switched on the bedside lamp, crawling back on top of Maine, “I didn’t know you’re this naughty.” Maine pulled Hoseok’s pants downwards too, her feet tucking on its sides to finish taking them off him, “I didn’t know you’re this sexy too,” she commented, pushing Hoseok’s back on the bed and going on top of him. She stared at how perfectly lean Hoseok’s body is. Everything just seems to be buffed in the right amount and place.

 She caught his lips again, her right hand palming his clothed cock while her left hand enjoys his muscular bicep. Hoseok massaged her breasts, smiling while kissing her, “You’re wet,” he said, feeling her wetness on his thigh. Maine pulled his boxers down until she could fully grasp on his cock, already wet with pre-cum. She stroked it fast while kissing Hoseok’s neck.

 Hoseok doesn’t know where he wants to touch her the longest. Should he play with her breasts more because he absolutely loves them or should he go downwards now? Of course, he went downwards. His index finger played with her clit, not bothering to take off her underwear. “You’re so wet, babe.” He mumbled under his breath. “Do we have the patience for foreplay?” He asked.

 Maine stopped kissing him and looked him straight in his eyes, “No. No, we don’t have that, babe.” She pouted which made Hoseok laugh. “Push yourself up,” he said while lining himself on her entrance. Maine just swiped her underwear to the side without removing it and slowly sinks herself to Hoseok’s dick, “Shit, this is so hot.” Her breathing hitches, while Hoseok slowly bottoms out.

 In no time, both of them are moving gently. Although the stretch is new to Maine, she can’t say that it’s not good, gods, she loves it. When the pace got too comfortable to them, Hoseok flipped her over again, her back now on the bed and rammed faster into her. Maine’s back arched in pleasure, her moans filling the room. Hoseok was quick to drown it with a kiss, then his right hand snaked downwards to rub her clit without faltering his pace.

 “Babe, shh. My parents will hear us,” Hoseok said while silently laughing, which made Maine laugh too. “How.. do you.. expect.. me.. to shut.. up.. when, fuck, you’re this good?” She breathlessly answered, holding onto both his biceps and squeezing hard. She’s definitely losing it. She knew Hoseok is BTS’ best dancer, and she didn’t know that it will be a main factor during sex because she swears that he’s hitting a different spot with those smooth hip thrusts that he has.

 Hoseok’s breathing is already ragged, “Can I cum inside?” He softly asked. She nodded vigorously, “I’ll hate you if you don’t cum inside.” She said. That was it for Hoseok. He came as soon as he heard those words, pushing himself as deep as he could. He felt Maine bit on his shoulder, cumming also with him.

 He landed on top of her, breathing heavily. She just wrapped her arms around him, rubbing his back. “You definitely made a mess on my underwear,” she whispered.

 “We did that,” Hoseok answered, pulling out of her and lying beside her. Maine turned to her side to face him, “I think that was the best I’ve ever had.” She whispered again. Hoseok smiled while looking at the ceiling, “I think that was my best too.” He faced her too, “Or maybe that was my best because I did it with someone I love.” Hoseok smiled at her, brushing the stray strands of her hair away from her face.

 Maine smiled too and gently shook her head, “I love you too.”

 ~

 “Be back soon, okay?” Hoseok’s mother hugged Maine. Hoseok walked out of the room with his bag, catching sight of the two, making him smile. “Eomma, stop forgetting your son!” He joked and hugged his mother too. Maine walked to the side, Hoseok’s father standing beside her, “See you soon, then?” Hoseok’s father asked her. “Of course. Thank you for welcoming me here.” Hoseok’s father gave her a brief hug also before walking her to the front door.

 Maine waited for Hoseok outside as he said his goodbye to his parents. He knows that it might be long again before he comes home, considering the schedule that he has with BTS. After kissing his mother and hugging his father, he went to Maine and off they go to Seoul again.

 The two of them bought a lot of snacks just so they would not run out until they reached Seoul. Hoseok’s mostly doing the talking, asking Maine questions about her life. Maine, on the other hand, always finds herself staring at Hoseok. She’s busy thinking about how she will leave him when he is always providing reasons for her not to go.

 Hoseok held her hand and smiled at her. “How can you eat your chips if you’re going to hold my hand?” Maine asked. Hoseok bit his lip, his gaze still focused on the road, his left hand held to the steering wheel, “You can always feed me, babe.” Maine shook her head while smiling, “Okay, babe.” Shock is evident on Hoseok’s face, “Jinjja? You just called me babe!” He can’t help but smile even wider. “We’re dating. Is it bad to call you that too?” Maine asked. Hoseok pulled her hand to his lips again to kiss it, “No! No! Call me that always!”

 ~

 Hoseok and Maine are holding hands while walking to the lobby of Hoseok’s apartment. Both of them have their backpacks and are laughing as they enter the lobby. Maine saw the men first and pulled Hoseok behind the nearest big plant. She leaned on the wall and hugged Hoseok to cover her. She felt her heart drop to her stomach, pounding like it was going to go out of her body.

 “Babe, we can do this in the apartment..” Hoseok whispered, not aware that there are suspicious looking guys near the elevator. “Shush,” Maine covered Hoseok’s mouth. “I think my parents sent those men. Don’t let them notice that you’re looking.” Maine said before removing her hands from Hoseok.

 Hoseok peeked while standing near the plant, still covering Maine’s body. There are three guys standing near the elevator. All three of them are wearing all black clothes and sunglasses. One of them yawned, accidentally facing Hoseok’s way who’s still staring at them.

 “There!” The first guy shouted. The other two immediately looked at where the first guy was pointing. Hoseok’s eyes widened, Maine pushed him while screaming, “Go! Go! Go!” Hoseok grabbed Maine’s hand, pulling her into a run. Both of them don’t have a plan in mind aside from trying their best not to get caught by those guys.

 Hoseok just kept running even if they were already out of the building. Maine took another glance at the men that were following them. The three are running too, while she just lets Hoseok pull her wherever he wants since she trusts that he knows the area more. “Stop!” One of the men shouted while breathing heavily. The second guy accidentally tripped on the pavement, knocking the other two down with him.

 Hoseok darted into a small alleyway with Maine then took a right turn which led to another road. He suddenly saw a cab and hailed it. Hoseok pushed Maine inside, “I’ll see you later. Go for now.” He did not wait for Maine to answer, he just closed the door and ran to another alleyway.

 Hoseok decided to go around the building so he can pass through the private door that he uses when he doesn’t want anyone seeing him. When he reached his apartment floor, he let out a heavy sigh, as if he was holding his breath since the incident. He entered his apartment and sat on the couch, rubbing his temples out of frustration. He stared at the ceiling, thinking about where did Maine go and how empty his apartment feels without her here. He sent her a quick text that says ‘Call me as soon as possible.’.

 Maine got out of the cab after paying the driver. She stood in front of a cheap looking hotel that should suffice for a few nights before she moves again. Her chest feels heavy -- heavy from the fear she felt earlier and heavy that she has to leave Hoseok without even saying a proper goodbye. The reception area is quite dark, only one girl manning the desk.

 “For three nights, please.” She said. The girl just nodded before asking, “What room?” Maine bit her lip, looking for some guide, “Uhh, whichever is available?” The girl just nodded again and gave her the key to her room.

 Once she’s settled, she immediately calls Hoseok. “Yoboseyo? Where are you? Are you okay?” Hoseok said, his questions piling up as soon as he picked up. “Hey, I’m okay.” Maine answered. Hoseok sighed, “Do you want me to pick you up there?” Maine closed her eyes, preparing herself to reject him, “No.. no. Just.. don’t.”

 “Do we have a problem?” Hoseok asked. Maine sounded passive, as if she doesn’t want to talk to him when he’s been worried sick. “No, we don’t. Just don’t reach out to me, okay?” Maine stated, trying her best not to let the tears fall.

 “Don’t reach out to you? How will I not do that? I’m worried!” Hoseok felt shocked, rejected and annoyed all at once. How can she stop him from reaching out to her when they’re perfectly okay the morning before this shit happened?

 Maine sighed. This is not easy for her either when all she wanted was to run to him and just cuddle with him until she forgets that she wasn’t meant to stay there. “Hoseok, I think it’s not safe for us to be together right now.” She can’t help but still be soft when it comes to him. “They saw me with you, and I think they know that I’ve been staying with you, considering that they knew you immediately when they saw you.”

 “Are you saying that we can’t see each other?” Hoseok asked. Maine bit her lip, contemplating if she should just end this relationship for good, but what can she do when her heart tells her otherwise? “Only for now, because it isn’t safe.”

 Maine’s inner goddess just laughed at her, mocking her for holding on to something that she’s not even sure if it’s permanent. “Jimin called you a few days ago, right? Asking you to go to Busan?”

 “Yep. That’s right.” Hoseok answered, staring outside his apartment window. “Go there for now. I’m in the outskirts of town. I’m okay here.” Maine instructed. She knows that Hoseok will oppose what she said, “Where are you exactly?” He asked, “I’m worried and you’re telling me to go to Busan!”

 “I’m okay here. Just listen to me, please. I’m a mess right now and I can’t handle everything all at once. I’ll think first. You can meet your friends for the meantime.” She sternly said, making Hoseok ruffle his hair in annoyance. “I’m leaving for the States a few days from now. Come with me.”

 “I’ll think about it.” Maine answered. “I am not asking you if you’re going with me. I said, come with me. I’m not leaving you alone here in Korea.” Hoseok said, finality evident in his tone.

 Maine sighed for the nth time that day, “As long as you go to Busan for the meantime so they don’t bother you.” Hoseok leaned on his window, “And you’re coming with me to the States?” Maine knew it’s a deal that he’s asking for, “Okay.”

 Hoseok nodded even if Maine can’t see him, “I’ll see you in a few days, babe. I’ll send you the details. I’ll buy your ticket. I love you.” He bravely said. Maine passively answered, “Yeah, okay. Me too.”

 She hung up.

 ~

 Jungkook and Hobi are sitting at Jimin’s living room couch in his family house in Busan. They’ve been waiting for Jimin since afternoon. It’s dark now and Jimin is still outside. When Jimin arrived, the two quickly tackled him and flicked his forehead a bunch of times.

 “Ya! Stop that boys! It’s time for dinner!” Jimin’s mother shouted from the kitchen. Jimin quickly pushed Jungkook and Hoseok away from him and ran to the kitchen. “Eomma, they’re hurting me!” Jimin said before sitting on one of the dining chairs, the two boys following him right after.

 Jungkook brought out the liquors they bought on their way to Jimin’s house. The three of them decided to meet up even if it’s Bangtan’s 1 month vacation at the moment. In Hoseok’s case, he wasn’t supposed to go if it wasn’t for Maine’s request for him to get out of Seoul for the meantime. Jimin technically begged the two to hang out with him in Busan just so he would not be in his coffee shop all the time.

 “Jimin-ssi, where have you been?” Hoseok asked Jimin while opening the first bottle of soju. “I was at Coffee Park.” They clinked their bottles and took their first gulp.

 “Your mother said that you were with a girl.” Jungkook declared with an accusing tone. Jimin pinched Jungkook’s cheek in reply, “Aigoo, is my Jungkookie jealous? I still love Jikook, don’t worry.” He joked. “Aish! I won’t find myself a girlfriend because all the girls are thinking that I’m with you!” Jungkook playfully punches his arm.

 “Yes, I was with a girl.” Jimin confessed. “I just met her a while ago.” Hoseok turned his head, suddenly more interested in this conversation as he knows that Jimin doesn’t want to meet anyone at the moment.

 “And?” Both Jungkook and Hoseok asked.

 “And, I think I don’t need the two of you here anymore.” Jimin answered.

 “Aaaah!! You’re so mean!” Hoseok placed his hand on top of his heart, acting really hurt. “Tell us what she’s like.” The sudden mood change made Jimin laugh.

 “Well, for one, she doesn’t know BTS, but she knows the song Euphoria.” Jimin looked at Jungkook and mocked him. “This maknae gets everyone!!” He ranted. “But really, she doesn’t know BTS. I like it.. I mean, I like that she treats me normally. I miss that feeling. That feeling that people just treat me as Jimin. I only get that when I’m here at home, that’s why I’m always longing for home. It feels like I don’t need to put my walls up, and I can just be myself.”

 “So you like her?” Jungkook asked. “On the first day of meeting her?!” Jimin jokingly raised his voice, “You don’t decide that you like someone on the first day, Kook!” He added.

 “Ya! You never decide on these things, you just feel it.” Hoseok interrupted Jimin and Jungkook. “I’m telling you, guys. The time you’ve known her doesn’t matter, let alone the way she treats you. If you like her, you like her.” He told the two maknaes, thinking about how he doesn’t understand Maine at first, but his curiosity got the best of him.

 When he saw her being vulnerable in front of him, all he ever wanted was to shield her from whatever harm that’s coming her way. When she decided to stay in his apartment, he was more than happy to let her, completely feeling excited whenever he’s going home to his apartment. When he took her to his parents’ house, he felt that contentment when he saw that Maine got along with his parents well. When they got back from Gwangju and they were chased by those men, he just wanted to keep running until he knew she’s safe. What’s more surprising is that even if she talks passively to him, as if rejecting him on the last phone call that they had, his feelings did not change. He still wants to protect her and keep her safe.

 Hoseok is drowning in his thoughts until Jungkook tapped his shoulder, “Woooow. That’s really deep, Hobi-hyung! Too bad, I’m only excited right now for the tattoos I’m planning to ink on my arm!” Jungkook exclaimed.

 “If that’s the case, Hobi-hyung, maybe I like her.” Jimin sighed. Hoseok tapped his shoulder, telling him comforting words. “If it’s meant to be, Jimin, then you have nothing to worry about.” He said. “Same to you, Jungkook.”

 “What? I’m not interested in anyone right now!” Jungkook defended, making Hoseok and Jimin laugh. They both knew that Jungkook has a crush on Lexi for the longest time now.

 ~

When Hoseok saw Maine at the airport, she just gently nodded and headed the same direction he’s going. The two of them already talked about this. They will be in a safe distance away from each other to not attract the public eye. Maine didn’t like the idea at first, but the separation with Hoseok got her thinking about how she wanted to just run back to him. It also occurred to her that her family might not think that she can go out of the country.

 This is the safest option for her now, and the one that she likes the most.

 The two of them settled on seats next to each other in the business class. Hoseok held her hand under the blanket that she placed on top of her legs. When no one else was around, Hoseok kissed the top of her head. “How are you?”

 “I’m fine. Just a little worried and paranoid, that’s all.” She answered, feeling the urge to apologize for the way she acted on their last phone call. She knew that Hoseok seemed to be a very happy person outside, but deep down, he craved for love too. He needed the sunshine too.

 The apology never got out of her mouth. She fell into a deep slumber in the flight, the first comfortable one she had for the week. It felt comfortable that she’s away from the problem she’s running from, even more comfortable because Hoseok is with her.

 When she woke up, she saw Hoseok sleeping while facing her. She let out a deep sigh, thinking how can she deserve Hoseok in this life. She brought a thumb to his cheek, slowly rubbing it while staring at him. They still have 3 hours left on the flight, and might as well appreciate the love of her life.

 Hoseok suddenly smiled even with his eyes closed and grabbed Maine’s hand on his cheek. He planted a soft kiss on her palms and pulled her closer so he can at least hug her arm. Maine smiled at the sweet gesture which led her to kiss his cheek and whisper, “I love you, Hoseok.”

 “I love you too, babe.” Hoseok whispered back, still not opening his eyes. “Now, get some more sleep because the timezone is different there.” He commanded sweetly. Maine refused to close her eyes and continued staring, “I know that. I just want to look at your face longer.”

 “Ya! Stop that.” Hoseok answered, finally opening his eyes while laughing. “If you don’t want to sleep, I will transfer on your side so we’ll squeeze each other over there.” He was about to stand up when Maine pulled him again to lie down. “Fine. Fine. Let’s sleep. I love you again, babe.” She chuckled and kissed him again before closing her eyes.

 ~

 Their stay in the States is definitely one of Maine’s favorites in her life.. ever. It felt good that she knows she’s far from the people who want to give her to another family. It felt good that she’s with Hoseok. It felt good that for the past week, even if Hoseok was busy with his work (which is shooting Chicken Noodle Soup), they’ve been doing the bare minimums that couples do.

 She’s been cooking for Hoseok, waiting for him to come home, doing their skin care routines together, tucking each other to sleep, exhausting all the sweet nothings that they want to say on each others’ ears and catching up on everything they want to know about each other’s lives before they met.

 Hoseok hugged her from behind while they were lying on the bed. “Babe, what are you thinking about?” He asked. Maine turned around so they could talk face to face, “Hmm, I’m thinking about how I’m happy right now and how long will it last.”

 “It will last because we will last. I just want you to be happy for the rest of our lives.” Hoseok replied, pinching her cheek and smiling reassuringly at her. Maine felt her heart tug on her chest, “I want to apologize.. for being.. cold, sometimes, you know? Everything just gets in my head and I can’t handle it.”

 “That’s why I’m here. You can let go through me. You tell me anything. Remember when I told you that the world is not as bad as you think?” He asked. Maine nodded and smiled at him, “Yeah. I remember that. It’s not as bad as I think because there’s you in it. I don’t know what I would do without you.” She confessed.

 Living with him makes her realize a lot of things. She realized that everything will be okay in the end and she wants him in her life for as long as she can have him. “I’m sorry if I lack sometimes in loving you.” Maine said, almost close to a whisper.

 “What are you saying you’re lacking? We’ve got years ahead of us. Don’t say that.” Hoseok said and pulled her closer to a hug. “Sleep tight now because our flight is early tomorrow. Where do you want to stay when we go back to Korea?”

 “Hmmmm.” She was thinking hard when Hoseok spoke again, “Do you want to stay in Gwangju? So you’ll get to know your in-laws more.” He teased, making the both of them giggle. “I want you to remember that whatever problem you’ll have now, I’ll be here for you. I got you in the highs and in the lows.” He said while planting soft kisses all over her face.

 “One of these days, I have to face my family again. I wonder if they’ll accept my refusal to marry another person because I want to be married to you.” Maine nonchalantly said. Hoseok’s eyes widened, “Is that your proposal to me? Do you think I’m that easy?” He teased.

 “Fine. Give me away then.” Maine answered, pulling away from him and turning around. Hoseok laughed and pulled her back, “I’m just joking! When do you want to get married?”

 ~

 Maine decided to accept Hoseok’s offer for her to stay in Gwangju. It was quite awkward at first--staying with Hoseok’s parents without Hoseok there, but as time go by, Maine felt at ease in their home. She loved how Hoseok’s parents treated her as their own. She loved how they can joke and laugh around the house whenever they do something together. Even if Hoseok’s not there, she never felt the gap because his parents always filled her with warmth.

 She always stays at the front porch at night, talking to Hoseok over the phone and just updating each other on what happened for the day. “Your mom made rice cakes, it’s the best that I’ve tasted!” Maine enthusiastically said, making Hoseok laugh. “That’s because you haven’t tasted my rice cakes yet!” He said competitively.

 “Then I should taste them soon! I’m excited to see you… when?” She asked. Hoseok checked his schedule, silently cursing himself for realizing that he doesn’t have time anymore. “Babe, I’m leaving for Bon Voyage in two days and I still have practices in between. Is it okay to just visit you there the week after?” He asked.

 Maine just smiled and nodded, even if Hoseok can’t see it. “Okay, babe. I miss you so much.” Hoseok felt himself getting softer for her. She changed a lot ever since they met and he’s sure as hell not prepared on how sweet she is once comfortable and assured that he’ll always stay with her.

 “I miss you too, Charmaine. See you in the next week! Are you doing okay there?” Hoseok asked. “More than okay! I just wish you were here too, but one of us needs to make a living, right?” She joked, making Hoseok laugh and tease her about her proposal. “Yeah, someone has to.. considering you proposed to me already.” They both laughed. Their marriage became an inside joke for the two of them, even if they both perfectly know that they really want to end up married to each other.

 ~

 Hoseok’s New Zealand trip with BTS is almost coming to an end. He’s always in contact with Maine, but she always tells him to just focus on his trip so he could enjoy himself. Maine never nagged him for anything. She just wants him to enjoy and to not tie him down to her problems.

 Maine received a message from Hoseok that they are walking to their airplane seats at the moment. She smiled when she saw the message early in the morning. This means he’ll arrive around 10 pm, considering that Hoseok will still get dinner with his bandmates. She wants to surprise him once he arrives so she spent the day asking for Hoseok’s mother’s help in baking a cake.

 After baking the cake, she went to the bathroom to wash up before dinner. Hoseok texted Maine that they just landed and he’s not sure if the boys will still grab dinner, also slightly oversharing as he told her that Bangtan is not sure if there will be dinner at home since Taehyung and Lexi are not on good terms. She just replied with an, “Okay! Just tell me if you’re near home already. I miss you!”

 Seokjin and Hoseok are talking at the back of the car while they were on the way home from the airport. “Hoba, I’m not sure if you should keep Charmaine in Gwangju. Remember how her so called fiance called me before we left for New Zealand? I don’t know if he’s had any leads on where she is. I just pretended I didn't know she’s missing.” Hoseok nodded, “Do you have any suggestions where I should take her, hyung?”

 “Don’t you have other places? How about Jungkook’s apartment? He rarely uses it.” Seokjin suggested. “The one near Gail’s apartment? Isn’t that quite near BigHit?” Hoseok thought, Seokjin continued fiddling with his fingers. “Yep, but at least none of us stays in that area, except Yoongi.. and Jungkook, of course. Look, I’ll ask him if you want. Just promise me, Hoseok, that if ever the time comes that her family found her, don’t fight them. Let them get her, then we’ll plan, okay?”

 The car stopped and they got out of the car one by one. Seokjin went beside Jimin as Jimin talked about how lucky Yoongi is for having his girlfriend near him. All of them got inside the house, admiring how delicious the food on the table looked. Hoseok went to his room first to put his luggage there, just picking up the stuff he would give to his parents and Maine.

 He was on his way to the kitchen when he received a text message from Maine. He felt his heart drop to his stomach when he read it.

 “Babe, they found me. Their car is outside and I’m in your room hiding. What should I do? Your parents don’t know why I suddenly ran to your room. I saw the car through the front window. I hope they don’t know. Babe, I’m so scared.”

 “I can’t stay for dinner, guys. I got some errands to do.” Hoseok said, grabbing his car keys and rushes straight through the front door without waiting for the others’ answer.

 “Where did Hoseok go?” Seokjin asked while looking around. He immediately looked for Hoseok when he saw Maine’s message saying that her family found her, but he’s guessing he got a message too. “He said he has errands.” Namjoon answered, getting food from the center. “Aish, I told him not to!” Seokjin left the house immediately without another word.

 Seokjin calls Hoseok immediately, which he picked up, "Hyung.." Seokjin did not waste his time, "Hoseok, I told you not to go to her. This is for her too, and you know that."

 "Hyung, I'm sorry. I can't just let them take her." Then he ended the call. Seokjin punched the wall in frustration, knowing that if the two did not do as asked, it may lead to more chaos.

 Seokjin’s never been so frustrated with both Hoseok and Charmaine.

 ~

 Hoseok drove to Gwangju as fast as he could. He doesn’t know if he’ll make it in time, but he still did his best to make it. When he arrived, it’s already quiet in their house. The lights are already turned off and there’s no car parked outside. Still, he ran to the front door, only to find it locked. He knocked really fast and his mother opened the front door, “Hoseok?”

 “Where’s Maine, eomma?” He immediately asked. “Maine? Her parents came to get her, didn’t she tell you?” His mother answered innocently, not knowing what really is going on. Hoseok sighed in frustration, leaning on the nearest wall to him. “Did they force her?”

 “Force her? No. Maine looked happy going with them. Why, Hoseok? Is there something going on?” His mother asked again. “So Maine willingly went with them?” He clarified. His mother nodded, “Yes, she did.”

 Hoseok sighed, his mother rubbing his shoulders, “Look, Hoseok, if there’s something you needed to talk to me about, I’m here. You’re making me feel nervous. I feel like giving away Maine to her parents is a bad thing with how you’re reacting right now.”

 He looked at his mother and asked her to sit down, then he started telling her everything.

 ~

 It has been a week and Hoseok never received even a single message from Maine. Seokjin has been keeping an eye on him too, which is why he can’t go to Maine’s house. He never failed to send her messages everyday, telling her how worried he is, how much he misses her and how much he loves her.

 Truth be told, his mind is going haywire to find reasons why she hasn’t been in contact for a week already. He’s staring at his ceiling when Seokjin suddenly enters his room, giving him his phone. He stared at the phone screen and he saw Maine’s contact name there. Hoseok quickly grabbed it from Seokjin and took the call.

 “Babe!” He shouted, “Babe! I’m so worried. What happened to you?! Are you okay? Where are you?” Hoseok asked questions after questions. Maine just chuckled, “I’m sorry for not getting in touch soon. Let’s meet tomorrow?” She asked.

 Hoseok immediately smiled, “Tomorrow? Sure! Don't you want to meet up tonight? I can go wherever you are!” He happily replied. Seokjin just leaned on the wall, staring at Hoseok while he talked to Maine.

 If only he knows, Seokjin thought to himself, but that is Maine’s story to tell. “I miss you too, babe, but let’s just wait for tomorrow, okay? I’m kinda tired today, but I’ve read all of your messages. I’m really sorry for not being able to answer. I love you so much, Hoseok.” Maine sincerely said, a tear falling from her eye.

 “What matters is you’re here now, and we’ll make everything right, okay?” Hoseok cooed, Maine nodding even if he can’t see her. She tried her best not to let him hear that she’s crying. “Okay, babe. See you tomorrow! I love you, Hoseok. I love you.” She repeated.

 “Aigoo, I love you too, Charmaine.” Hoseok softly said, Maine instantly ended the call. Seokjin saved the situation by shouting, “Ya! You two dared to get mushy mushy on my phone!” He said and grabbed the phone from Hoseok.

 Hoseok laughed and thanked his hyung, telling him how excited he is for tomorrow.

 ~

 Hoseok and Maine agreed to meet each other at Hoseok’s apartment. She’s already inside when he arrived from practice. The first thing he did when he saw her was to hug her really tight, “I was so worried, babe.” He whispered.

 “Don’t be. I’m okay now. I miss you and I made dinner!” She exclaimed. Hoseok happily pulled her to the dining table to eat with her. They fed each other until both of them couldn't breathe from being full. “What happened to you? What did your parents tell you? Do they still want to push through.. with the marriage?”

 Maine just looked at him and shook her head while smiling, “Really?” Hoseok excitedly asked. Maine nodded her head and Hoseok hugged her really tight. “So when will we get married?” He asked.

 “As soon as you want!” She happily said. “But I heard Rianne-unnie is coming home. Seokjin invited me to go with you guys on your weekend trip. Why are you not asking me? Are you planning to take someone else?” She asked, Hoseok laughed at her as she sounded jealous. “Ya! I was going to ask you, I just saw you now, right?”

 “Kiss me then, if you’re not going to take anyone else.” She said. Hoseok immediately crashed his lips into hers, both of them melting straight away into the kiss. The kiss felt brand new, as if it’s the start of something new. Hoseok’s heart felt lighter, now that he knows that Maine isn’t tied up to some other guy anymore.

 Charmaine’s heart just got heavier.

 ~

 “Gombae!!” All twelve of them shout at the top of their lungs before downing a shot of soju. All of the boys have their partners with them except Namjoon and Jungkook which made them partners in every game that they’re playing for the weekend getaway. They’ve been drinking for 3 hours now which made everyone pretty drunk except for the ones who don't get drunk easily -- Seokjin, Jimin, Eunice, Yoongi and Lexi. 

 Taehyung started being clingy with Lexi after the first glass. Jungkook started being talkative an hour ago too, along with Namjoon. Hoseok can’t stop talking to Maine while Rianne is already sitting on Seokjin’s lap. Jimin and Yoongi are both claiming that they’re not yet drunk but they’re both noisy and talkative. Eunice is just beside Jimin, holding his hand while laughing at everything that he says.

 Maine watched as Lexi pulled Taehyung out of his seat, Hoseok whispering to her, “They’ve been bestfriends for years and they only acknowledged their love for each other lately.” He shared. Maine kissed the tip of his nose, “If only I met you sooner, we could’ve been happier longer!” She said.

 Gail and Eunice both stood up to get more food in the kitchen while Rianne suddenly nudged Maine, “Too bad you didn’t meet Cammie! You’re going to love her.” Rianne said. “Who’s Cammie again?” Maine asked, not in a sober state anymore. “Namjoon’s girlfriend! It’s nice that we’re a lot here now. Before, it’s just me, Cammie, Jeongyeon and Lexi.. and Lexi’s not even Taehyung’s girlfriend back then plus Jeongyeon was always busy as an idol.”

 Seokjin tapped Rianne’s shoulder, “Love, enough..” He whispered before kissing her cheek. As much as the past is an open book, Seokjin is worrying that some of the members might find it as a sore topic. Maine leaned on Hoseok’s shoulder, whispering how she feels dizzy already and she should stop drinking for now. Hoseok wrapped his arm around her and she closed her eyes.

 She felt her phone vibrate in her pocket, “I need to pee.” She said to Hoseok. “Do you need me to come with you?” He asked. Maine stood up and waved her hands at him, “Ani. I can do this.” She smiled at him reassuringly and went to the bathroom by herself.

 Once inside, she checked her phone and saw her father calling. She sighed before answering the call, completely shocked at his father’s loud voice. “Where the hell are you, Charmaine? We have a dinner appointment today, remember?”

 “I didn’t say yes to that dinner.” Maine replied, causing her father to get angrier. “I thought we already talked about doing this the easy way or the hard way? Why are you so stubborn?” He asked. Infuriated by her father, she raised her voice too, “Why are you so stubborn too? Why can’t you just leave me alone?” She asked.

 The argument went on for five minutes, both of them infuriated with each other. Maine felt brave at the moment, knowing that Hoseok is just there outside. He has been her comfort and she’s always safe whenever he’s with him.

 “Do you really think I don’t know that you’re at Seokjin’s house in the province? Do you take me as an idiot?” Her father suddenly asked after the outburst. She suddenly felt more dizzy, as if her soul was leaving her body. If her father knew where she was, then someone might be on their way to get her now.

 She ended the phone call at once, running outside the bathroom to find Hoseok’s car keys. She saw it on top of the refrigerator and quickly grabbed it. She also grabbed her purse and made a run for the garage. It’s dark outside, considering that it’s night already and Seokjin’s house is the only house near this cliff.

 She felt her head spinning, her gaze not clear anymore. She entered Hoseok’s car and quickly turned the engine on. She’s not sure if the fog she’s seeing is because of the haze from the alcohol, or because she’s already crying. Maine pulled the car out on the driveway immediately, speeding off.

 The drinking table was in Seokjin’s patio. Hoseok’s attention was caught when he saw his car getting out on the driveway. “Fuck,” he shouted. Seokjin immediately turns his head on where Hoseok is looking. “Fuck,” Seokjin also said. Both of them suddenly stood up and ran to the garage, but they did not make it.

 “Get Yoongi’s car keys, I’ll call her.” Seokjin said. Hoseok ran upstairs, the other remaining members filed one by one into the living room, just staring at Seokjin who’s in a disheveled state but at the same time, rummaging through his phone. “What happened?” Rianne asked.

 “Maine. She just.. ran away. Fuck,” Seokjin sighed out his frustration. Hoseok ran downstairs and into the garage. Seokjin followed him but Hoseok rejected his idea of going with him. “Just stay here, hyung. Call her for me, please.” Hoseok said.

 He did not wait for Seokjin to answer, he just ran for Yoongi’s car and quickly drove out to the driveway. Maine did not turn on her headlights, she’s just driving with her heart pounding hard on her chest. She struggled on keeping her driving straight as she went through a sharp curve. The only way out of Seokjin’s house is a steep road to the city.

 She gasped when she came across three black cars, all of them familiar to her. She knows that her father owns them and he asked his boys to go get her. When the cars passed her, she saw her phone ringing because of Seokjin’s call. She quickly rejected it and called Hoseok instead.

 Hoseok immediately answered, “Charmaine! What are you doing going out alone? Where are you going?” Hoseok said. His frustration is evident in his voice, “Hoseok..” Maine gently said. “I’m sorry, Hoseok.”

 “Maine, you’re drunk. Slow down. I’ll catch up to you, okay?” Hoseok said, holding himself up. Maine felt her eyes well up with tears, “Hoseok, listen.” She can’t stop herself from crying now, nonetheless, she continued to drive. “The wedding was never called off.”

 “What? But you told me that it was already called off?” Hoseok asked. “I just want to spend more happy moments with you, babe. When they got me from your home, they confiscated my phone and didn’t let me go out of my room until I said yes to what they’re offering. I held my pride up for a week, but I can’t do it anymore. I miss you so much and I need to get a hold of you, that’s why I said yes.” She explained.

 “Charmaine, you know you don’t have to do that.” He said. “But I had no choice, babe. I had to, for you, for us.” Hoseok sighed and drove faster to catch up with her, “But you spent the week with me.. I thought you’re free, baby..” 

 Maine just cried harder, “I just want to spend more time with you. I always slip out of my room, just to spend time with you. They thought I was going to that guy, fuck, Hoseok, I don’t know what to do anymore. I want out. Tonight’s supposed to be the wedding rehearsal.” She said in between sobs.

 Hoseok caught a glimpse of his car in front of him, almost at the stop light. Maine did not stop talking on the other line, “I just love you so much, Hoseok. Do you know that? You make me happy all the damn time. Sometimes, I feel like my heart is just going to burst with how grateful I am for you.”

 “I know, I know, baby. I can see you now. Stop the car now. You’re drunk, Maine. I love you too.” Hoseok cooed, trying to sound as gentle as possible for her to stop the car. He can clearly hear her still sobbing on the other line while repeating all the I love you’s she’s been muttering.

 “Maine, I love you too. Stop the car now, baby, please.” Hoseok said. Maine approached the stoplight, but Hoseok wondered why she still went on when the stop light is already red. “Charmaine, stop the car.” He repeated. He doesn’t know if Maine is still listening because the sobs stopped, but the I love you’s are still being said. “I’m sorry, Hoseok. I know you needed the sunshine too, but you got me instead. I’m so sorry I couldn’t be right for you, but I love you so, so much.”

 Charmaine reached the stop light already, but still went on. “Charmaine, stop the ca--- fuck!” Hoseok screamed.

 The last thing he saw was two cars from the right colliding with the car Maine was driving.

 ~

 Hoseok and Seokjin are both sitting on the hospital chairs, waiting for the doctor that just attended to Maine. Seokjin is biting on his own lip, while Hoseok is just staring into blank space. The others are already on their way to the hospital, but the two couldn’t care less. They just want the doctor to say that Maine is alright.

 The doctor went out of the emergency cubicle, making his way to the two boys sitting on the chairs. “Are you the relatives?” Both of them nodded while standing up. “I’m sorry, but she can’t make it.”

 Hoseok felt ringing on his ears. He felt his heart shatter to pieces, his stomach turning too, as if he’s going to vomit anytime soon. “She can’t make it? What do you mean she can’t make it?” Seokjin is furious, not wanting to believe what the doctor said.

 Hoseok did not hear the rest of the conversation, his eyes just fell on Maine lying on the bed. She’s just lifeless, and he can and can’t recognize her all at once. He made his way beside her and held her limp hand. Suddenly, he’s finding it hard to breathe, his eyes welling up with tears. “Babe,” He softly said.

 The rest of the boys entered the emergency room, catching Seokjin just in time before he fell to his knees. “Hyung, hyung, what is it?” Yoongi asked. Seokjin shook his head, “She.. didn’t.. make.. it. My cousin is a fighter, why can’t she make it?” Seokjin said, breaking into a mess of sobs. Rianne rubbed his back and Seokjin immediately buried his face on her neck, crying like a kid.

 Hoseok tugged gently on Maine’s hand, “Babe.. wake up.” Namjoon rubbed Hoseok’s back, comforting him, but Hoseok just cried hard that it made the maknaes cry too. They’ve never seen him this broken.

 “Charmaine, I told you that we will last.. Didn’t you tell me that we’ll get married as soon as I want? Baby, wake up, let’s go home.” Hoseok said, still tugging on her hand. “Hyung, she’s gone..” Namjoon whispered, not wanting to startle him.

 “Namjoon, you don’t understand, she’s not supposed to die like this! We’re supposed to get married, she’s supposed to live the rest of her life happy with me! Namjoon, it’s unfair! What did I do wrong?” Hoseok ranted while clutching his other hand on his chest. “Hyung, you did not do anything wrong.” Namjoon answered.

 “But it’s unfair! I cherished her everyday, I adored her everyday, I gave her all the love I have every. damn. day. but I still lost her. Fuck. It fucking hurts.” Hoseok sobbed, Namjoon gave him a tight hug. Seokjin knelt beside Charmaine’s bed, crying his heart out.

 “Charmaine, you brat, wake up.” Seokjin said, making the other members cry even harder. It’s hard seeing their two most cheerful hyungs cry like this. Hoseok suddenly blacked out, Namjoon catching him just in time.

 ~

 Jungkook and Hoseok were left alone in the dorm that day. Jungkook is busy cooking ramen while Hoseok just sat on the kitchen counter, staring somewhere far away. It has been a month since Maine passed away.

 Bangtan did not get it easy. They spent weeks trying to get Hoseok to eat healthily again, trying to make him smile again, trying to make him talk again. They tried making him do those unnecessary sound effects again, but he doesn’t, and he didn’t want to. It seems like life left him too.

 “Jungkook,” Hoseok suddenly said. Jungkook immediately looked up, “Yes, hyung?” They have always been so careful with their words around Hoseok, especially if they’re going to talk about something that reminds him of Maine.

 “Do you remember my favorite movie?” Hoseok asked. Jungkook just nodded, “If only, hyung?” He put a bowl of ramen in front of Hoseok so he could eat. “Let’s eat dinner, hyung.” He said, sitting next to him.

 “That was the first movie Charmaine and I watched. She even asked me if I know that the girl is going to die in a car crash.” Hoseok smiled bitterly, “It sucks, Jungkook. I learned from that movie that we should love the ones that are important to us as much as we can. Where did I go wrong for her to be gone so suddenly?”

 Jungkook stood up from his seat and hugged Hoseok, “Hyung..” Hoseok’s tears fell again, “Don’t worry about me now, Jungkook. I just have unanswered questions, but I accepted it already. Even if Maine did not live long enough, at least, she won’t have to feel restless everyday anymore. I love her too much to question her decisions, and if she can’t hold on to life anymore, then it must’ve been painful for her. I just love her so much, Kook, it hurts.”

 Hoseok pulled away from the hug, “So when you start to love, give it your all, alright?” He said. Jungkook just nodded, “I’m here for you, hyung.”

 “I know, Jungkook.” Jungkook just smiled at him and rubbed his shoulders again. “Eat your dinner, hyung, or I’ll feed you.” He said, making Hoseok slightly smile at him.

 They heard footsteps from the living room, coming into the kitchen. Hoseok looked up and asked him, “Is this really how it feels?”

 ~

published 04/17/20. 10:45 PM

#btswriterscollective #btswritingcafe #ficswithluv #bangtanidx #bts hoseok fic #bts hoseok fluff #bts hoseok smut #hoseok fluff #hoseok smut #bts hoseok angst #hoseok angst #hoseok fic #bangtan fic #bts fic #bts angst #bts smut #bts fluff

[mtdgngn]

[Translation] 20200513 - anan (cover:Travis Japan)❸

***My English is not very good, so it maybe difficult to read. But I'll try my best!***

***From here

Kaito Miyachika→ Chaka

Kaito Nakamura→ Umi

Noel Kawashima→ Noel

Shizuya Yoshizawa→ Shizu

Genta Matsuda→ Genta

Ryuya Shimekake→ Shime

Kaito Matsukura→ Kura

***

Travis Japan made a cool appearance on their first cover of "anan". Their round-table talk start with their thoughts on the cover shooting that they heard the day before the shooting!

Shime: I was surprised to see the schedule. How fast it came true!

Noel: Of course I was surprised and delighted, but I also thought, “What will our shooting be like? We will be undressed?” (lol).

Chaka: A little while ago, Kaito (Nakamura) and I appeared in “anan” together.

Umi: At that time, when I came to the shooting, I talked to Chaka, "We become famous." I thought it was an honor because only limited people could appear on the cover.

Shizu: I'm glad that "anan" shoots a lot more cool than I really am. The first time I appeared in “anan”, I took pictures of the magazine with my phone right away.

Kura: This time, shooting with using water was a fresh experience for me. It was the first time for me to get wet by such a lot of water and change my underwear for shooting.

Genta: I thought I changed clothes to go a location shooting. For example, athletics.

Kura: Did you think you changed your clothes because you would sweat?

Genta: I thought I would fall into the water.

Inspired by the theme of their feature, collecting their respective parts to create ideal body for them.

Chaka: Noel has a beautiful body.

Genta: So, It’s decided that Noel is in charge of the upper body. Especially his “Wappai” (meaning from the armpit to the chest) is amazing!

Noel: Thank you!

Shizu: Regarding the bottom, should we choose that of Chaka(Miyachika)?

Chaka: My bottom is plump. Is the bottom of Shime(Shimekake) tight?

Shime: My bottom may be soft.

Shizu: Being plump is very Chaka’s bottom.

Genta: How about the bottom of Shizu(Yoshizawa)?

Chaka: It's stubby like mochi.

Umi: No, it's plump.

Kura: That's true. It's cute!

Chaka: My bottom isn't far behind from his. Which should we choose?

Noel: The battle of their bottoms has begun (lol).

Shime: I think that of Shizu is better!

Kura: Chaka has good thighs.

Chaka: My thighs are plump. Is it okay?

Shizu: It seems to have a good connection with my bottom!

Chaka: Whose are the best for below the knee?

Genta: For the knee, I want to be chosen.

Umi: Matsukura and Genta should share left and right knees.

Chaka: Matsu Matsu(Matsukura & Genta) supports the body (lol).

Genta: Can I be in charge of the left knee?

Kura: Then I’m in charge of the right one.

Noel: Shime looks slender, but in reality his triceps are great. When you were in the third year of junior high school, did you do muscle training hard?

Shime: Yeah. At the time, I was doing muscle training under the influence of Mr.Yamashita (Tomohisa)’s toned body that appeared in "anan".

Chaka: Roll your sleeve and show your arm.

Umi: Oh! Wow!

Shime: I was told that way for the first time (he gets bashful).

Chaka: Because Shime has a small face, his own is good for the shape of the face isn't it? So is Kaito.

Umi: I want to put Genta’s nose on my face.

Noel: Kaito has a big nose, so Genta’s nose will fit your face.

Kura: The eyes are absolutely Chaka’s.

Genta: Because his eyelashes are “wide”.

Chaka: “Wide”...!?

Umi: Which do you want to be chosen, your eyes or eyelashes?

Chaka: What? You separate my eyes and eyelashes!?

Kura: You have chiseled face, so let's make everything around the eyes Chaka’s. Then, whose lips should be chosen?

Noel: Matsukura’s lips are smooth and pretty.

Umi: Those have the characteristic and beautiful shape, and maybe Matsukura would be good.

Kura: Don't sympathize with my small role in the body, like "I'll give you the lips charge!"

Shime: Calm down. Your lips are pretty (lol).

Chaka: Kaito's lips are sometimes cut by dryness and bleed (lol).

Kura: In terms of teeth, Genta‘s teeth are beautiful.

Chaka: Matsumatsu get the charge of around the lips as well as knees!

Shime: I like Matsukura's small ears.

Chaka: Shime’s ears are also pretty.

Shime: Those are so small ...

Noel: Who has the big earlobes?

Genta: In the past, I heard that people with big earlobes could be rich, so I used to pull my earlobes hard.

Chaka: I was often pulled earlobes by my dad, too. However, I think that Kaito’s ears, which are originally good, are good.

Kura: It will surely bring in good fortune and money together.

Noel: I think Kaito’s ears will spend all the money as much as brought in (lol).

Umi: There is no problem because the basis of the body is Noel’s. … Ah, no. We have to change our brains!

Chaka: The left brain is Noel’s and the right brain is Shime’s. This makes it possible to put out both smart and peculiar characters.

Shizu: That's great!

Chaka: And Shizuya's ...

Genta: Eyebrows!

Noel: His down slanting eyebrows are cute.

They decided the perfect body in a very friendly. What's the secret of their friendship?

Genta: I think we aren’t to be outdone by any other group about the friendship.

Shime: Of course, we sometimes have a disagreement, but that's why we can know each other deeply.

Chaka: Every member can reflect on himself and apologize himself.

Genta: Lately, Shime and had a disagreement a bit, right?

Kura: We had a disagreement for the third day straight (lol). It was an extension of a joke. Why we were fighting is...

Shime: It’s that we two couldn't decide what to do after a meal.

Noel: It's difficult to understand fights between peculiar characters (lol). By the way, when did you feel that Travis Japan was known to many people?

Chaka: I think it was when we had "Toraja-NINJAPAN-". Where we did its local performances, we were able to appear on local TV shows. That made me feel that the opportunities many people saw us had been increasing.

Shizu: In “Toraja”, there was a new challenge like a trampoline, and each of our performance skills on the stage improved. Furthermore, we were taught by Mr.Takizawa (Hideaki) to be confident. We grew up very well.

Shime: I think it was when all of us went to dinner together last May.

Chaka: It was dinner where Shizu cried.

Kura: Someone took the ingredients for the shabu-shabu that Shizu would like to eat, and he cried ...

Shizu: No!

Chaka: Actually, because you had worries.

Shime: I think that the fact that we were able to share all our thoughts then changed the awareness of the group and prompted us to move forward.

Umi: I think it was August 10th (the first day of "Summer Paradise 2019"). All of our fans followed our destination we had anew. I am grateful that they have supported us.

Genta: From now on, we aim to be a global group! I hope Austin (Mahon) and our collaboration will be realized.

Umi: Wouldn't it be nice to have concert of “Tooth”?

Kura: It's "Teeth" (a private duo of Matsukura and Takuya Kageyama from Johnny’s jr.)! If I have the opportunity, I would like to do it.

Shizu: What we definitely want to do is a nationwide tour.

Umi: We will unify the whole country like Nobunaga.

Noel: Nobunaga didn’t unify the whole country, so Hideyoshi or Ieyasu is correct (lol).

Chaka: We wouldn't have noticed the mistake without Noel (lol).

***continued on ❹***

#Travis Japan #Noel Kawashima #Kaito Matsukura #Kaito Nakamura #Kaito Miyachika #Shizuya Yoshizawa #Ryuya Shimekake #Genta Matsuda #松倉海斗 #松田元太 #吉澤閑也 #七五三掛龍也 #川島如恵留 #宮近海斗 #中村海人 #Johnnys #Johnnys jr #kawashima noeru #matsuda genta #matsukura kaito #miyachika kaito #nakamura kaito #yoshizawa shizuya #shimekake ryuya #ジャニーズ #ジャニーズjr.

[btsandvmin]

A Vmin throwback - 2018

So last year I made a post called “A Vmin throwback - 2017” and naturally there has been a ton of Vmin moments in 2018 as well. Despite what people might remember, 2018 has been a truly great year for Vmin. We have gotten to witness a lot of really intimate interactions and the moments that we have gotten have actually started to make more people ship Vmin. And I’m sorry that this post is so late, but there were just too many moments. Basically we can summarize it to that we have gotten a lot of quality content for Vmin this year.

Here is a rather huge collection of some of the wonderful Vmin moments we got in 2018! Let’s start! More under the cut!

It’s been a truly blessed year and I dare say we’ve been walking around in a rather purple-tinted world since the very start!

Vmin haven’t been all that loud on twitter in 2018, but they did start of with a bang. Not only are they together, telling us they love us and giving us some purple hearts, but Jimin is also wearing (and specifically showing off) his birthday present that he got from Taehyung in 2016. It’s cute.

BTS_twt Twitter Update 180111 I love you!!!!! #💜☺️☺️ 

Video Translation: Tae: Everyone, everyone happy new year Jimin: Thank you~ *finger hearts* Tae: I love you, I love you~

I also want to include Taehyung’s birthday bomb, though it wasn’t in 2018, it was released in January and thus didn’t make it into my post last year. And it’s too cute to leave out.

Also, award season in January had plenty of more Vmin moments.

Sadly I can’t include everything because this year has had so much Vmin. But I’ll keep going with the award shows from the rest of 2018, and we can tell that awards are a place where Vmin truly shines, because they just can’t stay away from each other.

Exhibit A, watch Vmin during the end of SMA where they keep close and circle each other.

Remember at the BBMAs where they sat together, flipped water bottles and joked around in front on the whole world?

Like really, we can expect great things from Awards shows, but this year was something extra. Even at a distance they keep turning towards each other.

We got one of the best Vmin hugs ever, and that is saying a lot, because Vmin has been hugging so much this year.

Award shows really seem more like date nights.

They can be rather shameless with the flirting too. (And the roleplaying.)

I mean, their display on Gayo Awards this year was something else.

I could include a million other moments, but I have to move on.

You can just look at basically any award show and you’ll see Vmin paying more attention to each other than anything else.

Actually performance shows also seem to be a flirting ground for Vmin. I’m sure you’ve seen the clips from the SBS Super concert in Taipei? Where Vmin couldn’t help but to expose each other’s chests.

So, next up we have so many good moments from Run episodes that I don’t know how to choose. We got everything from butt slaps to cuddling, to whining and roleplaying or just straight out being boyfriends. Let’s just say there was a lot of playful moments.

Of course we got the confirmation that BTS themselves also see Vmin as soulmates.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, Vmin wants to be close and together every chance they get.

And as usual Taehyung talked about something he did with Jimin, completely forgetting that poor Jin was there as well. He is not able to not talk about Jimin.

You also of course got plenty of supportive moments. Jimin is there for Taehyung when he is scared, doing his best to encourage him and compliments him. And again, this has been a year of hugs.

Some episodes were so filled with Vmin I can’t even decide which moments to gush about. Just take the barista episode, where Jimin kept complimenting Tae, calling him handsome, telling him not to tremble and that he is doing great.

Just sitting together and being in their own world.

And don’t get me started on the pottery episode, where Jimin just looks so damn cute as he gets to make something for Tae.

“Don’t worry my love” Jimin makes Tae a rose and a heart and are generally just really sweet towards Tae.

Like really… Vmin on Run is just the best honestly. Even if they are supposed to work against each other they somehow end up, well… clingy.

They manage to hug every opportunity they get.

Any excuse to touch really…

Like, they just can’t help themselves even if they are on opposite teams.

At this point run episodes are basically just a collection of Vmin adoring each other and being domestic.

There are sooooo many great moments. Like for real, I’m not sure I’ll be able to do a post like this next year, I will need one just for Run episodes. ^^’‘

We have also seen them bicker a lot, so it’s easy to tell how comfortable and natural their relationship is. Like in the badminton/football episodes where Jimin got annoyed with Tae several times… Or when he wanted to draw on Tae’s shirt but didn’t get to and ended up whining. I think you get it... Basically a lot of pouting Jimin.

I’m gonna have to move on from Run, but there are two moments from this year that I would consider the absolute highlights of Vmin on Run. One is Taehyung’s poem, and the fact that he thinks Jimin is the coolest performer he’s ever seen. (We have know this forever *gasp gasp*)

And the best Vmin Run episode award goes to.... Episode 50! 

The episode in which Vmin realized they can hold hands and they haven’t let each other go since. Scared Jimin was so cute, and he needed his Tae beside him for comfort. Like he specifically asked for it.

Poor little mochi. But now I really have to leave Run. Because there or plenty of other cute vmin moments to look at.

Just a few examples from the 4th muster, enough to make you swoon.

Not to mention this moment that will go down in Vmin history, featuring gay panic Jimin.

Puma also came back to remind us to ship Vmin.

We got the possibly cutest Vmin date ever. It’s just full of sweet, domestic and cuddly Vmin.

Then I have to talk about their concerts, where Vmin has made Love Myself their anthem.

The tour really was filled with Vmin moments.

I honestly can’t believe I saw this moment live.

They just gave us a million cute moments to gush about.

And like I said... This year has been filled with hugs!

They purple each other so much!

I don’t know about you, but 2018 should be the year where people stopped doubting how much Vmin love each other. 

Also JK ships them, so you should too! Look at him making them hold hands.

Promo-season is always good to Vmin shippers as well.

Speaking of performances we can’t forget Fake Love being generous to Vmin shippers.

Like I could pick this moment from basically any performance, so I have to hold back.

IDOL also provided us with Vmin.

Even spelling it out for us, that Vmin means love!

Of course we can’t skip over Singularity, which Jimin made sure to hype! (And which is also a dark reflection to Serendipity)

(BONUS: JIMIN LOVES TAE’S SMILE)

And before we move on to the two really big Vmin source of this year (I think you can guess which ones), I just have a few moments I simply can’t skip.

Jimin wanted a song, so Taehyung said he would give him one.

Besides this moment, as well as 4 o’clock, we also got Tae mention another song that he wrote. A Christmas song he wanted to sing with Jimin, but got stopped because the lyrics apparently were too romantic for two men to sing.

Moving on...

Saipan needs a special mention too.

No year is a real Vmin year without a proper butt slap.

Or you know...

Several…

And we can’t forget that we got the first Vmin (kinda) vlive in a long time. Showing an extremely domestic couple and their dog.

They of course talked plenty of each other in other vlives as well.

And there are of course behind the scenes stories as well, showing how even staff react to Vmin’s closeness.

But really, I have to move on... Because both Burn the stage and Bon Voyage season 3 happened this year, and I don’t think I have to tell you how these two shows truly let us see just how much Vmin mean to each other.

We got plenty of cute moments (even though we never got to see the museum date in NY).

But of course we also got yet another glimpse at Taehyung’s and Jimin’s relationship and how much they support each other.

Jimin has been a huge support to Taehyung, and it’s just so heart warming to even get a small piece of something so private revealed to us.

Jimin really is Taehyung’s strength and support. But we also know that Tae is the same to Jimin.

Basically in Burn the stage we saw a few of the moments that Vmin has briefly mentioned before when saying they need each other and lean on each other. I feel humbled to be allowed to see these moments.

And then we also got Bon Voyage. Where we once again got to see Vmin missing each other, despite only being apart for a few days.

Jimin couldn’t stop talking about Tae, and also seemed to talk to Tae while he wasn’t there, and sending him videos and photos.

And as he showed up seemed unable to stay away, holding his hand every chance he got.

I can’t possibly include all the moments from Bon Voyage, because as soon as Tae arrived (and even before) it was just so many lovely moments between them. 

...Wanting to share a room, Tae taking off Jimin’s face mask, going on two dates, sharing food, Tae buying needle and thread for Jimin, just Jimin wanting to show Tae the things he had already seen because not sharing them with Taehyung was not an option. Tae wishing upon Jimin in stead of a star. The list goes on...

Third wheeling the other members as usual.

Jimin being fond and supporting as Tae did busking and the two of them just enjoying their time together.

Then there was the moment that honestly felt a bit too honest and intruding. The fact that the staff member ran directly to Jimin as soon as they realized Tae was crying, and Jimin’s soft comforting and drying Tae’s tears.

This moment just shows how close they are, and how important they are to each other. And again, with Vmin it always seem like they want to share everything. Jimin kept talking about things he had seen and done, and wanted to do them again with Taehyung. He also expressed that he wants to travel somewhere alone with Taehyung outside of work and that Tae being the combo of JK’s and Namjoon’s personalities, is the perfect fit for him.

The other members even seemed to know Vmin would need some extra time alone, and let them team up two times in a row. We can see several examples of the people closest to them knowing how much they need each other.

Basically all of Bon Voyage in Malta was just filled with Vmin’s love for each other. And there is no way I can fill all that love into one post. But I hope you enjoyed this regardless. I think we can all agree that Vmin’s bond is truly special, and that they will surely keep going for a long time (They did promise in front of that scenery after all). 

And lastly, there is of course Tae’s birthday. And Jimin even congratulated him twice, also thanking ARMY for celebrating him.

Happy birthday to our Taehyung You’ve worked hard this year too I wanted to post a derp photo but If I post it kekekeke you might not want to see me ever again kekekekeke Hyung loves you a lot ❤️🎂 #JIMIN #TaeTaeHappyBday

Trans cr; Denise @ bts-trans

This year we have a new record for Vmin hugging, holding hands a Vmin saying they love each other. (#TaehyungILoveYou). In conclusion, Vmin’s love is still going strong and no one can deny that.

Thanks for reading! There were so many moments I had to cut out, and it took a whole month extra to make, but I hope you enjoyed this post. 

Let us all look forward to a great year of the two pigs in 2019!

#vmin #vmin throwback 2018 #vmin 2018 #taehyung #jimin #vmin moments #vmin moments 2018 #vmin is real #love vmin #my post #bts 2018 #vmin hands #vmin holding hands #vmin hugs #vmin hug #vmin bon voyage #bon voyage 3 #burn the stage #bts #vmin gif #vmin photo #2018 #vmin analysis #vmin compilation #a vmin throwback #btsandvmin #vmin summer package

[hiraethstill]

THIS WEEK AND LAST WEEK ON DAIYA NO ACE (7/16 and 7/23)

SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT!

7/16 LIVEBLOG:

IMMEDIATE assault by eijun's handsome face

and his DETERMINATION

every time the OP comes on im like where are the babies? THERE THEY ARE @ firsties

the way i GASPED

THIS IS HOW WE FELL IN LOVE WITH EIJUN I TELL YOU

haha poor audience member doesnt know sawamura is mostly good at swinging from the bunt stance

eijun... you have every right to be frustrated

ugh... the way he looks when he was a doormat to the ace... i feel this too much my chest hurts

"if i had pitched like furuya did today i wouldve been subbed out" TOO TRUE AND OUCH

HE HITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

THE BOIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

THE MAN THE MYTH THE LEGENDDD

AND JUST LOOK AT ASADA AND KUKI'S F A C E S

DOUBLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

lmao did eijun learn to run bases from mochi? now i want this

uhhh the announcer was wrong? the STANDS were all cheering and happy, it was mostly the dugout that was surprised

bc this is level of trust he gets from first string sigh

sorry all my frustration is here

HAHA OKAY BUT why does this look gayalso sawamura's little "na!" with the pew pew is so cute wtf

his lil cheeky face in the corner im hashjdlkdgj

haruichi and toujou in that shot look like they'd been helping him practice batting and it paid off 

hslkhg eijun and his "hips!" i cant

KANEMARUUUUUUUUU

HELL YEAH TAKUMI NICE SHOULDER

nice eijun is safe

haha i never know who to root for bc i love all the bois

okay but

has anyone ever talked about how cool amahisa's eyes are???

i mean

look at this

so cool

yoooo wtf amahisa's voice in this part is really appealing??? damnn

so... kanemaru's a capable batter even if he's not top tier, why you gotta keep making him bunt

oh well, i like that face you're making kanemaru

noooooooooooo

it's okay kanemaru you did your best

cmon mochi bring him home!!!!!!!!!!

EIJUN ENOUGH WITH THE HIPS LMAO

yeah thats right mochi + other batters, give him the run support he deserves

AMAHISA THE DISASTER BI IM

"did he shave his eyebrows? he looks like a strong fighter" are you just checking him out

you'd want him to do those jump kicks amahisa

moon-face?????

omg i feel the tinglings... of a rarepair... amakura.....................

what was i saying about his EYES??

come the fuck ON dont leave eijun stranded on second!!!!!!

H

HHHHH

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

MY BOISSSSSSSSSSS

SHOW ME YOUR FACEEE

(and u rite yall amahisa is yabai)

THERE BE YOUR FACEEEE

IM SO EMOTIONAL

AND HIS VOICE

FUCKLE

AND HIMSTDVEEE

whoaaa that slowmo pitching sequence!

HARUCCHIII

oh hello eijun upping the tempo and looking great doing it

wow this super HD sparkle miyuki

EIJUN IS BEAUTIFULLLL and lowkey this looks like the OP

ASADA AND KUKI MY SONS I WOULD DIE FOR YOUUUUUUUUUUUU

BEING SO EXCITED ABOUT THE CUTTER KAI AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I ALSO LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

HLKDHFS AURA

okay sun we gettin a lil cap happy

another pretty eijun shottttt

WHOA 3D BALL

3D SLOWMO BALL

N* H* TT * R

i feel like i jinxed him sorry eijun

also i LOVE when the stands yell OSH OSH OSH back

wow toujou's voice was. so cute??

noriiiii i love you so much and thank you

furuya silently reflecting huh?

YO WTF IN THE MANGA NORI'S CAP COVERS FURUYA'S NUMBER WTF ANIMATORS ITS ICONIC

awww theyre all patting him i wanna pat eijun too

NORIIIIII YOU ARE SO PRECIOUS

kanemaru's eyes are gray??

kousei-san.......... mayhaps i have.......... Feelings about this

"gureato" man tahara is great

HLJSKDFHKGSFJGKFHDGLDF BLONDE AMAHISA

THIS IS JUST FUELING MY AMAKURA LMAOOO

WHY IS BLONDE HAIR IN MIDDLE SCHOOL A RUNNING JOKE IN ANIME

kuramochi, amahisa, hyuuga from knb, alla dem yankees

oh my god is that suddenly shaved head amahisa still in first year he's so smol

wow kousei is so eccentric haha i love it

YESSS BRINGING BACK MANAKA-BOY

omg yakushi cameo!!

wow this is so pleasant to look at and idk why??

his eyeeesss

and this too omgg

I SEE NISHINO

omgggg are they who i think they are

YES THEY AREANIMATORS REALLY BE FEEDING ME TODAY

sorry mimei that was too much tension in a single glance not to be homoerotic

go shirasu-senpai!

wellll shit, rip zono and rip seidou

142 pitches???????? are they throwing out amahisa's arm imma fight

YO OKAY BUT DOES THIS MEAN INAJITSU VS ICHIDAI

"that wouldnt be any fun" uh you do realize you're talking about a person's physical health right audience member???

the. ace. is. not. the. only. player.

its okay this is the peanut gallery they dont matter in the long run

omg are the first years wearing their school uniform slacks

AWWWW TAKU OFFERED TO CARRY SAWAMURA'S BAG

taku always worried about everyone and sawamura looking rather nice actually

HLJSKFDHGD AMAHISA'S FACE LIGHTING UP AT EIJUN

omg was that a little bow eijun made at amahisa before moving on?

"something i want to ask you" are you boutta ask him out amahisa

im sorry i love eyes too much

and also! eijun getting the recognition he deserves!! buuuut from another team rip

cmon eijun he's trying to be nice tbh

lmao koushuu and shirakawa should meet... resting bitch face club 

"i've never seen kousei-san take interest in another pitcher" THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO UNPACK IN THIS STATEMENT

LMAO HE DID HE DID ASK FOR HIS LINE

my sonsssss

yes asada and kuki, be free! go move around!

asdkfh i just squee every time taku

and these lines on koushuu look so nice??

intense son

scremmm

he's so happy and fired up to see koushuu fired up im

wholeass Sons™

lmao koushuu getting mad for sawamura

my inexperience... yes kataoka

teito and inajitsu coaches lmao

500K rivals to fwb to lovers

ive always thought kunitomo's neck crack is so funny

UHHHHH CARLOSHIRA REALLY TOYING WITH MY HEART HERE

THIS IS NOT OKAY

IM NOT OKAY

mochi looking mighty fine in this shot

aw... ejun sitting alone....

just wanna say oda and kuroki very lesbian in the ED

preview

ooh mei batting

sawamura and furuya watching so intently!!

INUI KENGOOOOOO

aw... eijun turning to harucchi for support

oh man third years...

SUMMARY (7/16):

eijun DOUBLES!! 

rip seidou tho 

amahisa's eyes??? pretty??? 

ATTACC BY INAJITSU CAMEO 

taku offering to carry eijun's bag + serious senpai face 

careful amahisa your gay is showing 

koushuu mad on eijun's behalf lmao

inajitsu vs teito next!

7/23 LIVEBLOG:

ah yes, that tension-filled mimei look

CAN THEY STOP TESTING ME WITH CARLOSHIRA SCREENS

ooh this parallel of mei and mukai #1s

why does mei look so young at bat lmao

rather nice shot of mukai tbh

omg that tiny background akamatsu is adorable

WOW i love this shot

hell yeah mei kicking ass and taking names

boi... what you doin

KANETOU RIGHTS

kuraharu rights too!!

wow mochi's voice, never over it

BOI ARE THEY JUST SHOWING SHIPS LOOK AT MINORI

lookit mochi bein a good senpai

ooh eijun finally said no huh

mochi and harucchi look so concerned tbh i am too

mm and miyuki and furuya too huh

WHAT IS THIS BLEP STAHP

oowada always cracks me up lmao

esp when mine is so grave next to her

oh so mukai likes gambling? im not surprised lmaooo

INUI-SANNN I LOVE YOUUU

THE BOIIII

HE

H E

H I M S T

omg the way tetsu says carlos sounds all proud and im soft

PRETTY BOIS DOIN J O B S

GETTIN THAT BREAD

omg two RBIs too good job shirakawa!!!

omg im so glad mei encouraged itsuki

have i ever mentioned

inui x mukai RIGHTS

ESP THIS SEQUENCE OF MUKAI (AND INUI) PRACTICING

BOIIII

that toujou face... some toujou and mukai art i saw comes to mind

DAMN THE IMAGE WHEN INUI HITS IM WOW

also is carlos actually wearing his compression undershirt holy wow

he didnt used to at least

ANYWAY INUI DINGERRRRRRRRRRRRRR

HELL YAHHH

omg was that a little tiger next to inui SO CUTE

oh my god "mei-san mei-san" too cute

LMAO TOO LONG

MEI I SWEAR

yoo mei you okay there

SLOW MO BALL

okay why does he look so good please

OKAY WHY DOES HE LOOK SO GOOD PLEASE

do you know how many times i had to rewind for this screenshot

shirakawa also looks good frustrated fuckle

mei stop shakin off signs dammit

ooh nice akamatsu shot

seidou shares one (1) brain cell in this screen

much too short a game damn...

ive heard we were robbed of itsuki's blush??? cause hello i need catcher catcher goodness with him and inui

omg... they're literal children

SSLKDFHLSKDHGSSTOPPPPPPPPP

IM WEAK OKAY

I KNOW IT

I ACCEPT IT

HOW DAREMSTDVE

AND HIS V O I C E

WTFFFFFFFFFFFFF

hahaha anyway im just laughing at carlos being a momentary harada

"mei-san" !!!

mei x mukai... so chaotic

wow amahisa looks so nice???

lmao they really didnt HAVE to put harucchi in the bg when miyuki's talking to furuya but they DID

miyuki... looking at mei too long not to be homo there

eijun :c

oh man

that really hurt

the face of a SON tho

"so you are human after all" so many things i want to say about this

sawamura... doesn't seem to hold a grudge against furuya at all and honestly wow...

tho its def not furuya's fault i think thats a mark of him being pretty mature!

anyway im glad furuya wants to watch the video too

also nabe!!!!! i wonder how close eijun and nabe are and how many times eijun has bothered him for the videos haha

ochiai, a backup catcher... interesting

"he must overcome this on his own" do you know how many problems there are with this statement

yeah it wasnt fair

"for better or for worse" are you kidding

oh furusawa lmaoo

and nabe just patient over there

oh hello masayui and kanetou

anime fist clench

koushuu!!!

oh man miyuki introspection......... i know where this is going.........

appreciating sawamura's hard work and optimism!!!!!

HE IS READY DAMMIT

how many more times does he have to prove it to you

loveLY but also reused?

WOW IM EMOTIONAL ALL THESE MEMORIES...

ALSO THIS IS PRETTY DAMN GAY...

and the shadow of miyuki in the background... WOW

three months............. until the third years retire...........................................

im not okA Y............................

all the things this smile hides

preview

BOI YOU ALREADY PITCH THAT WELL

wow too many sons

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

BABY TAKUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

AND BABY KOUSHUU

END CARD WITH MANAGERS AAA CUTE

SUMMARY (7/26):

mei kicking ass and taking names 

mukai and his fooken BLEP 

PRETTY INAJITSU BOIS DOIN JOBS 

INUI DINGERRR 

inui/mukai rights 

mei + mukai actual CHILDREN 

carloshira stop attaccing sun challenge f a iled 

eijun @ harucchi :c 

three months... 

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK! 

#daiya spoilers #daiya no ace act ii #daiya no ace #inajitsu #teito #seidou

[nekumiko]

Colors

Fandom: Daiya no Ace

Genre: Romance

Rated: T

Words: 2, 032

Chapters: 1 | 2

Summary:  She’s fascinated with his hair. Just his hair. But Ryousuke finds it invasive, and of course he won’t let her off that easily.

Chapter Two: Not even an acquaintance, but a nuisance

Snickers.

She hears snickers. From the people passing them by, and a certain distinct one.

"What did I even do wrong?” she asks distractedly. “I just made a mistake."

"Exactly."

That chuckling continues. She wants to cry. Out of humiliation and relief at the same time.

"Huh?" She blinks, then realizes, her eyes widening before settling back to a small frown. "I mean, there's nothing wrong with being friends with someone who just happened to be your brother." Her brown eyes now locks gazes with familiar ones of the same color, hidden behind thick black glasses. Help me. Please.

The source of the annoying, mocking chuckles straightens up, but his eyes still laugh. Not for free, right?

 You're unbelievable.

"Are you even friends?" Kominato pulls her back to attention, away from the three-second conversation of eyes.

"What do you mean?"

"Maybe you're just forcing it on him. Or you've been targeting him next."

"Stop treating me like some criminal."

"Ryou-san!"

She is pulled back by the scruff of her collar, her feet lifting off the ground a bit, as someone's broad back fills her vision. "Ack!" she almost chokes.

Their interrupter starts talking to the senior, allowing her to step further behind him to hide from eyes she couldn't even see. That's when a school bag is deliberately dropped on her feet.

She groans, but has to take it with her.

"Oh?" she hears Kominato as she steps onto the stairs. "So that's why she doesn't grow. Your girlfriend."

"Geh," both second-years gag.

Leaving the usual denial up to her savior, she slips away as they easily slip into baseball talk, the school bags on each hand keeping her from running up the stairs. Reaching 2-B's classroom, the bag almost flies out the window, the way it bumped into the sill before it landed on the desk behind the one she'd chosen for herself. She then hunches over on her own desk, making fake sobbing noises.

Black.

Interacting with Kominato Ryousuke, which she tries so hard not to do, always leaves her feeling dark and gloomy.

She's used to non-friendly banters, but this is something else. He'd always manage to work her up with just one word from him. And she ends up spouting unintelligible things that would put her into more of a disadvantage.

What was she even thinking? Even back at the train station. What could have happened if ever she had encountered the older Kominato back then?

So much for wanting to advance to the 'friends' category.

"Bop." A light tap on the back of her head.

Almost instantly, she turns with both arms outstretched. "You-!"

"Not the glasses, no marks on skin," the male brunette warns, which temporarily halts her actions until he sits down.

"Ka-zu-yaaa!" She settles on pulling his bangs with every syllable before flopping face-down again, now on his desk. "Kazuya," she groans, "I'm so stupid."

Black. That's all she can see right now.

How wonderful would it be to sink in darkness and stay there forever.

"I'd be lonely," she hears Miyuki say.

So she said that out loud. "Ew, Kazuya. Please listen to yourself."

But if only she'd stop seeing color—no, if she'd only stop seeing that pink, she'd stop approaching it like a moth to a flame.

She buries her face into the blackness, wishing for a black hole to swallow her up.

"Stop hugging that, it's not him." Miyuki carefully pulls his bag out from under her, replacing the black she's seeing with the beige desk.

She remains unmoving.

"Did you throw this? I have a packed lunch in here."

"I don't care because it's not true."

"My contacts and goggles are—"

"You have them back at the dorm."

"As expected of a stalker, huh?"

"As if."

Miyuki laughs. "Now what was that all about earlier?"

She groans again.

"I thought you've been avoiding direct interactions with Ryou-san? And now you do a surprise attack?"

"You mean you saw everything?" She shoots up, prompting Miyuki to lean back on his chair for she almost hit his chin.

"Of course." He grins.

"Then why...?"

He shrugs. "I was wondering what you're up to."

She sighs and looks out the window. "I thought he's Haruichi."

"Haruichi?"

"Ah!" She looks back at him. "Kazuya, why didn't you tell me Kominato-san has a little brother?"

He holds up both hands to chest-level. "Trust me, this is the first time I'm hearing this."

"He just joined the team! You met the new members last week, right?"

"Do you really expect me to remember every single new face?"

"But... but he has pink hair too! That'd be hard to miss!"

"What do you think do we do in the field? Gawk at each other and gossip?"

"Hmph." She crosses her arms. Then she lights up. "Aha! Maybe you got punished for being late!"

He chuckles. "All-seeing eye."

"Spot on!" She giggles. "So that's why you didn't have time to observe?"

"Don't be silly. Practice lasted for the whole day, we all ate in the same cafeteria, and live in the same dorm. It's just, for someone to be remembered, they should do something remarkable first. Or be a miserable failure." Miyuki glances out the window with a smirk.

Click.

"Whoops, forgot to turn that off." She lowers her phone to see Miyuki raising an eyebrow at her. "Sorry, I need money."

"Since when did the little princess need money, huh?" he asks. "My face practically fills up your phone memory. How come you won't just take Ryou-san's pictures too? That way, chances of interaction are lowered." He leans forward. "Or do you just like looking at him in person?"

"I-I wouldn't deny that, but it's really not how you make it sound like. Besides, taking someone's picture attracts more attention. He'd really call the police."

"You think I wouldn't anytime soon?"

She laughs and pokes his cheek. "Of course you wouldn't! Kazuya loves me!"

"Listen to yourself, Aya."

"This is why you two are mistaken as a couple," a voice says beside them.

"Eh? Mochi's our classmate again?" she says monotonously, turning to the voice.

"Nice to see you again too, Aya." Kuramochi puts his bag down on his chair. "Wait, haven't you seen me in the opening ceremony earlier?"

"Of course she didn't," Miyuki butts in. "Her eyes are over to the third—"

"I was just kidding, Mochi!" she cuts off, waving her hand left and right, smacking lightly on Miyuki's cheek. "Don't take it to heart!"

"I thought so, actually," Kuramochi looks back and forth at them.

"And besides," Miyuki's at it again, "she wouldn't be mean to her strongest link to Ryou-san."

"I don't need to be linked to him! I'd cut off all ties you'd ever create between us two!"

"Woah, there!" Kuramochi laughs. "Maybe you should stop for now, Miyuki."

"What do you mean, ‘for now?’”

It's so unfair.

'I work and live for the aesthetic. It's only natural for me to get attracted to what I think is beautiful,' she'd say. Or used to say.

Apparently it had only solidified the misunderstanding.

"You won't drop by practice?" Miyuki notices her heading the other direction after class.

"Aww, Kazuya, do you miss me that much?" she says sweetly as a joke. At Miyuki's deadpan expression, Aya continues walking. "It's recruitment day. I'm—I mean, my drawings—are Art Club's front liner."

"Oh. The double play drawing?"

She sighs. "And more."

The more she draws, the more she needs to observe. The more she needs inspiration, the more she gets teased.

"For Ryou-san's birthday?" she hears Kuramochi overhead.

She'd been sitting outside, a ways bit under a window. "Nah, an order. Miyuki Kazuya #5. I finished one of you, would you like to see…?" She looks up. "Really? It's his birthday?"

"I'm really more concerned now with how you make money."

"At least you know you have fangirls~"

"Huh." He leans out the window. "So do you accept commissions requesting Ryou-san too?"

"Why wouldn't I? It's money."

He shrugs. "I just thought you'd want to keep him for yourself."

Aya squints. "Shoo, Mochi, shoo."

"I'll request one for his birthday, with your full name and signature at the bottom. It has to have a huge 'Happy Birthday' in it."

"That's really sweet of you, to get a birthday gift for your beloved senior. But requests are closed. Go get a gift using your own effort."

Kuramochi laughs his usual. "I'd pay you double if you give it to him personally."

"…I-ignoring you." She picks her pencil up again.

The more she denies, the more she gets misunderstood.

"Makoto-san!" Someone taps her shoulder.

Aya turns around to find the three Seidou managers, plus a younger-looking girl wearing a similar jacket to them.

Sachiko's pigtails seem to bounce as she continues, "I knew you'd be here!"

Aya grins. "Of course! I love supporting the team!"

"And him?" Yui, the short-haired manager, smirks.

"And Kazuya." She beams proudly, despite noticing the two exchanging glances. "He's amazing, right? Three-run homer, man!"

"We know!" both second-year managers, somehow brought back to the excitement of the game with that, chorus.

She then turns to the youngest girl. "Hi!" She waves. "New manager?"

"Y-yes! My name's Yoshikawa Haruno, the first-year manager. Nice to meet you!" The girl bows.

She returns the bow. "Makoto Aya. I'm... a mere audience."

"She's Art Club's pride!" Sachiko says. "You might have seen her drawings of the team on recruitment day."

"U-uh..."

"She's also designed official banners for the team last year," Yui adds.

"W-well-"

"Really?" Yoshikawa faces her fully. "I did see those drawings! They're awesome!"

"T-thank you!" Aya laughs nervously.

"Oh, oh, since you've seen her drawings, have you seen that double play one?" Sachiko asks. "That one of-"

"Stop!"

"Back to the game, you four." Takako, the third-year beauty, smiles, which effectively hushes them.

It's the spring tournament. Seidou High is playing against Ichidai Third, with the former back to the top of the batting lineup.

Kuramochi, as they had all hoped, gets on base.

As the second batter steps up to the box, she tightens her hold on her sketchbook.

Black.

It's also how the surroundings seem to dim whenever he moves in the field. Like there's a spotlight. A pink spotlight, that is. His hair's the spotlight itself.

It's also something she does not want the field to look like for her after he graduates.

Kuramochi successfully steals a base almost at the same time Kominato hits, getting the latter on base as well.

Top of the second, no outs, runners on first and third.

Those two's teamwork has really gotten better since she had first drawn them. And it's a big credit to Kominato's strict training (and harsh words) that had inspired Kuramochi to improve.

"Aaaaand Makoto gets her pencil ready~"

Aya is startled by Yui's face on her shoulder. Even without anything on it yet, she holds the sketchbook to her chest as she turns to the four girls behind her—three of them grinning and one confused.

Everyone who knows about her quest for inspiration—basically the first-stringers, team managers, and the Art Club—would always interpret it as a cute crush on the pink-haired baseman.

Why? Just… why?

Well, she does lurk by the field almost everyday, she pauses to stare at him for a few seconds in the halls, and drawings of him fill her sketchbook and pile up under her study desk.

Man, she's creepy.

Maybe that's why Kominato hates her.

She's surprised she isn't banned from the field.

But really, she just likes looking at him.

He actually looks kind. Just don't let him talk. And he's so cool when he plays. She would dare say Kominato has made her like baseball again more than her cousin could ever influence her.

But that's it. He's just easy on the eyes. She doesn't see it necessary to have feelings for him. It is perfectly possible to simply admire someone without getting romantically involved, but these people wouldn't believe it.

If only she had not messed up just once—or rather twice—she wouldn't be marked as Kominato Ryousuke's number one fangirl.

 Previous: That hair is legit

Next: New (art) interest, he seems

#kominato ryousuke x oc #ryousuke x oc #kominato ryousuke #miyuki kazuya #kuramochi youichi #diamond no ace #ace of diamond #daiya no ace #ace of diamond fanfiction #diamond no ace fanfiction #nekumiko

[1litrewater]

Women of DeFi: How Maggie Love Makes DeFi More Relatable with SheFi

There are many crypto talking heads to look over, and unlimited things to learn. Anybody in the space thinks about the substance over-burden, stun, and weariness from learning an idea like blockchain innovation, not to mention decentralized finance (DeFi). As interest in DeFi finance and NFTs skyrockets, I felt it was essential to contact a lady who has devoted her time and energy to bringing ladies into DeFi explicitly. I plunked down with Maggie Love, originator of SheFi, a Decentralized Finance (DeFi) schooling activity for ladies that likewise serves as a vehicle to give assets to philanthropies that instruct ladies in STEM programs. She is likewise Co-originator and Director of Business Development at W3BCLOUD, a joint endeavor between Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD) and ConsenSys. 

In this meeting, we cover points about Maggie's motivation to begin SheFi close by her normal everyday employment at W3BCLOUD, why she picked Instagram as her mechanism of correspondence (Crypto notoriously lives on Twitter) and about her arrangements for SheFi's future.

What’s the story behind SheFi?

Everything began a bright summer day in 2019, stopping for a moment to talk with Corbin Page in the ConsenSys NY base camp. He educated me concerning a gathering of his ConsenSys representatives meeting up to wager on the NCAA ball competition title. Every individual places a touch of cash into the pot with the expectation of all triumphant continues going to the victor. However, this time, they took a stab at something else — as the competition went on, their cash gathered revenue on Compound, an algorithmic, self-governing loan fee convention. 

Around that time, I was at that point considering approaches to get more ladies engaged with DeFi and getting a touch more open to playing and exploring different avenues regarding cash. I was checking out the environment and not seeing numerous ladies building or playing with DeFi. I needed to be certain the new monetary worldview crypto was making included ladies all along — not sometime later. That discussion with Corbin started a thought, "Why not beginning a ladies centered DeFi investigation gathering? We could give our profit to charities that teach ladies in STEM programs!" When I thought about the name SheFi during one of my morning runs, I realized I needed to begin it and started working out the vision, mission, objectives, and construction in the fall and winter of 2019. 

I dispatched SheFi openly in the spring of 2020. I directed the meetings with a gathering of ladies in the crypto space however not in DeFi. In the fall of 2020, I began a SheFi partner through a crypto social club I am essential for called Mochi with ~20 ladies. In equal, I shared an encouragement to join the third SheFi companion on Twitter and the SheFi site, and ~40 ladies joined, going from people that were absolutely new to crypto to ladies with halfway crypto information yet curious about DeFi. 

Presently, after a year, SheFi is teaching ~60+ ladies through two accomplices. It's rousing to see such countless achieved ladies join SheFi. Between the two partners, SheFi has ladies from SHE256, RBC, Pantera Capital, IBM, Accenture, DoorDash, Apple, and Google. We likewise have business visionaries, craftsmen, specialists and advisors in the blend — SheFi truly has a different gathering of foundations and psyches. You don't have a particular foundation or experience to be important for SheFi. My solitary necessity is that all ladies consent to cultivate a local area that is strong, kind and aware.

What are SheFi’s goals?

SheFi has a couple of fundamental objectives that help its vision of a monetary economy based on Web 3.0 in which ladies are dynamic members and pioneers, consequently making a more comprehensive, different, and supportable industry. 

Engage ladies to take an interest in decentralized account conventions 

Instruct ladies on decentralized money undertakings and apparatuses 

Analysis with various decentralized money conventions and tasks 

Make a worldwide local area of ladies who can advance the appropriation of DeFi among banked, underbanked, and unbanked ladies internationally 

I likewise trust that through finding out about decentralized money, the ladies feel more enabled communicating with the customary monetary world. SheFi's exercises are set up in a conversational, congenial way. No inquiries are viewed as terrible inquiries. In the event that we happen upon a term that has establishes in institutional money, we return and DeFine (see what I did there?) that term and spot it inside the appropriate setting. 

We will likely assistance ladies sort out crypto as a venture just as a monetary resource, while clarifying the numerous things they can be utilized for. The chances are perpetual, and that could likewise be off-putting. Numerous individuals experience decision over-burden once entering the space. Normal inquiries posed include: "Would it be a good idea for me to put my crypto resources in BlockFi, a stage that gives crypto bank accounts and crypto-upheld credits? What might be said about AAVE? Should my resources sit in MetaMask?" 

SheFi is clear to emphasize that decentralization is very fundamental, yet this is likewise your cash. Monetary danger levels fluctuate from one individual to another. Create the resources and open doors work for your monetary goals.

#Decentralized Finance #Defi Finance #Defi Decentralized #womens of defi

[agirlinjapan]

Red Data Girl: World Heritage Girl (Week 30)

Red Data Girl: World Heritage Girl By Noriko Ogiwara A Translation

Miss the last piece? Read it here!

Check out the RDG Translation twitter!

It’s official! We’ve made it to the end of Red Data Girl 4, World Heritage Girl! Thank you so much for reading this far in my translation project! I hope you enjoy the story as much as I do! I can’t believe I’ve translated two thirds of a six book series already! When I began this project, I knew I wanted to aim for translating the entire series but it was hard to imagine finishing all six books. Now, the finish line is almost in sight! It’s an incredible feeling. I feel so accomplished! I’m even beginning to think about what I want to translate after RDG… although I’m probably getting a little ahead of myself. I still haven’t begun translating the last RDG book. (Haha.)

Some of you may know that I’ve been hard at work on RDG 5 for a while now. (At the moment, I’m about a third of the way through.) I’ll begin posting the next book in two weeks on June 18th and will continue posting RDG on a biweekly schedule. I’m looking forward to posting the next book for everyone!

Translation Notes:

There are two books mentioned in this week’s RDG. The first is Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. The second is The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon.

Red Data Girl: World Heritage Girl By Noriko Ogiwara Chapter 4: Boundary Part 3 (2 of 2)

The first day of the school festival was approaching before their eyes.

At first, Class 1-C had been working with a front line battle rations idea for their food stand. The menu they had come up with was comprised of onigiri wrapped in bamboo skins, grilled mochi, red bean soup, and so on.

And then something happened.

Furuta, one of the boys in the cooking group, said one word and the plan began to shift into something different. He mentioned that he had made cotton candy at a festival booth before and that he could borrow a cotton candy machine from his family’s home. When the members of 1-C heard this, they began discussing sugar colors and setups and then all anyone could talk about was doing a cotton candy booth.

In the end, this became their main attraction. They decided to call it “winds of change cotton candy” and sell at the stand.

Seeing as they were now selling cotton candy, they decided they might as well sell yakisoba too. Following the new concept for their stand, they called it, “coup d’état yakisoba.” They were steadily forgetting the reason behind what they were doing.

While talking with Karin Hasegawa about this and that, Izumiko learned that the girl was taking chemistry. She was also a casual member of the chemistry club and stopped in for a meeting here and there when she could.

“What’s Mr. Morozumi like?” she asked, the question unplanned.

“Mr. Moro? His classes are pretty interesting. His lab reports are tough though,” Karin said. Her voice was straight forward and to the point. She sounded just like the judo player that she was.

“Will the chemistry club be presenting anything during the school festival?”

“Yeah, they will. They said they’ll be launching a hot air balloon.”

This surprised Izumiko a little.

“Huh? Did they run that by the student government? I didn’t hear that going around the organization’s room.”

“That’s because they decided to do it last minute. They’re all over the place. Up until now, their plans have been pretty disorganized.”

Karin let out a loud laugh and then continued.    

“But that’s the way school festivals are. There’s really only three or four students in the chemistry club but because Mr. Moro is their advisor I think they can get everything together in time.”

…I should probably assume they’re up to something, Izumiko thought.

“Takayanagi in 1-A’s in the chemistry club, right?”

“He is, he is. He’s leading our rival food stand as well. He’s definitely not going to let anything about 1-A’s plan slip out so I’m keeping our secrets too.”

After saying this, Karin looked worried all of a sudden. She began to search her desk in agitation.

“Oh no. I left the file in the cooking classroom. This is bad. The yakisoba recipe’s in there. I need to get that right away.”

Without thinking, Izumiko followed after Karin as she rushed out of the room. This was a good chance for her to go into the cooking classroom for a reason, she thought.

“Wait! I’ll come with you.”

The cooking classroom was on the second floor at the end of the hallway in the special classrooms wing. Karin did not use the building’s main staircase. Instead, she walked to the breezeway on the first floor and went up the north staircase. It wasn’t a route Izumiko usually took.

The north wing of the school building, not usually trafficked by many people, was less of a passageway and more of a temporary closet for festival related items. Even the north staircase itself was covered with props and scenery for class plays.

The students were scattered across campus, doing their afterschool work. Plenty of voices could be heard from outside the windows. The hallway was the opposite of that—there was no one to be seen walking by. However, as there was still evening light visible, it didn’t make the hallway feel too unsettling.

Karin looked behind her at Izumiko in amusement.

“So what is it? Are you interested in the chemistry club’s balloon?”

“No, not really.”

“Then you’re interested in Takayanagi.”

“You’re wrong.”

Izumiko decided not to answer further. Strictly speaking, Karin’s statement was correct but not in the way she had meant it. Izumiko knew that much.

“He’s not really my type. Pale, weak boys don’t hold much charm for me,” powerful looking Karin stated bluntly. “But there are definitely a lot of girls interested in him. He’s popular with the exchange students for some reason, too. I was surprised when that popular girl, Angelica came to say hi to him. She’s that French girl who looks like a porcelain doll.”

The two of them had come to the cooking classroom’s door. There was a relatively big cooking prep room next to it.

Karin opened the sliding door to the prep room. The inside was dim.

“Are you coming in? It’ll just take me a second to find where I left the folder.”

Of course Izumiko followed after her. She stepped over the threshold.

In that instant, Izumiko felt as if she was being bathed in a flash of light. However, there was no light. She couldn’t sense anything for a second. All she could think was that she had been cut off from something. She was left blinking for a few moments.    

Huh?

Izumiko looked around. She had stepped into a bright, open classroom with large windows making up one of the walls. The desks had been pushed to the side. Wooden chairs and easels were arranged haphazardly around the space and there were canvases lined up against the well-lit window sill. The group of students who had worked so hard to paint the art stood by them. The room was full of the unique smell that came with oil paintings and even though Izumiko had entered the room, none of the students turned towards her.

Did I come to the art room for some reason?...

Izumiko vaguely considered that there could be another group participating in the school festival that the student government didn’t know about. That must have been the reason why she had come here. Still…

Somehow, she didn’t think whatever was going on had to do with art. A forgotten part of herself was shocked by the situation at hand. She shook her head as she turned around to exit the door and try again.

No sooner had she taken a step towards the door when everything went white around her.      

Izumiko might have had made the sudden decision to go back but now even the door she had stepped through was gone. There was nothing to the left or right of her, nor was there anything above or below. She couldn’t see anything, almost as if her eyes were covered by white mist.

Her first thought was that she was suffering from anemia again. She recalled the dream she had seen in the nurse’s office. An invisible spiral of wind had raged around her and she had felt it against her body. That time had carried the same feeling as where she was now although there was no wind this time.

As this was her second experience, she had an idea of what would happen. Soon, she would hear the sound of women’s voices—They would go around and around in the wind.

“My lady…”

No, I’m wrong. This isn’t anemia…

Izumiko bit her lip. She couldn’t stand the way she was being led on. She was sure there was something she was supposed to remember.

She couldn’t see her hands but she raised the pointer and middle fingers on both of them and put them together in the way that would call up the protective seal. Her heart would calm as long as she could do this. Once her hands were in position, she began the lattice shaped movements and recited the chant Miyuki had taught her.

When Izumiko made the last resolute line through the air, her sight instantly cleared. She saw that she was standing in the hallway and was almost relieved. But then she realized that didn’t make sense either.

This… How?…

“Huh. You’ve gotten a lot better,” came a voice from behind her.

Izumiko turned around to see Ichijo Takayanagi standing in the hallway behind her.

So he’s showed himself, Izumiko thought.

Her suspicions hadn’t led her astray. Half of her was confused by what was happening right now but her other half wasn’t surprised by what he had done.

Takayanagi wasn’t particularly tall. His narrow eyes grew narrower as he smiled, standing there. His nose was also small and fine. His features were very traditionally Japanese.

“Izumiko, you’ve become very different in these past few months compared to who you were when you had just entered this school. I’ve never seen such a person who could change so quickly. The way you’ve improved so dramatically somehow reminds me of Algernon. Do you know him? Algernon?”

“I don’t.”

“Flowers for Algernon. It’s my favorite novel.”

She had never heard of it. Refusing to comment on something unnecessary, Izumiko ignored the topic. He had spoken of who she had been right after arriving at the school and this made her angry. Right now, she didn’t want to think of the time where she had been so frightened of Takayanagi that she hadn’t even been able to step into his presence.

“What is this?” she asked. “It’s got to be magic. Is there something you don’t want people to see in the cooking prep room?”

“It’s not hidden from the normal students. It’s only a problem if one of Mayura Souda’s posse sees it.”

“So you’re using dangerous magic again,” Izumiko said, glaring at his pale face. If there was one thing that made her angry about him, it was that he looked like her former familiar, Wamiya. Even now that Wamiya had changed, it was still something she could easily admit to.

“Why are you calling spirits to the school? What do you get out of showing people ghosts? I don’t understand you at all, Takayanagi.”

Takayanagi listened to Izumiko’s criticism calmly.

“That’s because I don’t want you to understand me,” he said. “It’s nothing dangerous. It only becomes so if you interfere with and try to counteract it. I don’t understand you either. What is the point of you working with Mayura even though I clearly invited you to join me? I don’t want to see you go through anything painful. I’ll let you join me even now.”

“Before, did you mean that it would be alright if Mayura saw what you’re hiding?”

“She isn’t very perceptive.”

Takayanagi’s manner suddenly became spiteful. “I knew from the beginning that she and I would be incompatible. She’s come so far but I guess I have to let those two brothers of hers ruin her. I think humans who are smart but still can’t see what’s in front of them are truly pitiful. But I suppose it was inevitable.”

Izumiko did feel the urge to shrink away. She didn’t care what he said about her but she couldn’t forgive him for speaking ill of Mayura.

“Takayanagi, I don’t think you’re in a position to pity her. There’s almost nothing stronger than Masumi. Even I know that for sure. He’s the one who’s dangerous to interfere with. You realized that before, didn’t you?”

“Izumiko, you’ve lost your chance,” he responded coldly. It sounded as if he had already made up his mind long before this. “Even if you throw yourself at me and beg, it’s too late.”

“I’m not going to beg.”

“Hey, how are Mayura and I so different? The magic we use is awfully similar to each other’s. Are you really under the impression that Mayura alone remains guiltless?”

His tone changed as he asked his questions. He sounded amused but also genuinely curious. Izumiko was lost for the right words but all the same, she opened her mouth to respond.

“You really did kill your pets to make shikigami, didn’t you? Mayura says that’s unforgivable. I think so too.”

Takayanagi’s eyes narrowed into threadlike slits. Now he truly wasn’t laughing.

“I’ve always loved animals. But I wonder how you and your friends will interpret that fact to your benefit. Algernon was the mouse’s name in the book. No matter how many times I read it, it’s still a good story.”

His voice did not waver even a little. However, Izumiko took this as an indication of what Takayanagi had done. It would not have been strange for him to have started something already.

Preparing to defend herself again, Izumiko felt somewhat bad about what she had said. She could sense that she had hurt his feelings. She had said everything she had because he was so arrogant, but maybe she had said a little too much.

Takayanagi lowered his arms which had been crossed tightly over his chest until now. The fingers of his dominant hand were moving ever so slightly. Izumiko’s breath caught for an instant and then a third voice broke through the silence.

“Hello! I’m trying get by here.”

Karin Hasegawa was standing in the hallway. She brought the retrieved folder up to her mouth and said to Izumiko, “I’m going to go back to the classroom. Don’t forget to keep our secrets. Remember, what we were talking about before.”

Izumiko was surprised but Takayanagi seemed to be even more so. His expression was disbelieving. His narrow eyes widened. Judging from her behavior, Karin had not seen what was going on in the hallway. Izumiko guessed that there was some sort of magic involved.

Karin had already turned around and was hurrying to the stairs. Izumiko didn’t even have the time to tell her to wait.

At the edge of the stairs, the girl disappeared in an instant, revealing Miyuki in her place. He leisurely made his way back down the hallway. His expression was calm and suggested that he wouldn’t even hurt a fly.

As Izumiko responded in shock, Takayanagi let out a frustrated sigh. “What was the point of that?” he asked Miyuki. “Did you get yourself confused with some random girl?”

“Even if I had joined the fight, you wouldn’t have stopped. It’s possible that my actual appearance could have stirred things up more than necessary.”

Miyuki’s tone was composed. He stopped and gazed at Takayanagi. “Now that there are three of us, don’t you think your bad temper will be a disadvantage for you?”

Takayanagi paused for a moment but then his manner relaxed. It seemed as if it took a great effort for him to act in such a way.        

“I didn’t know you could do something like that, Sagara. I see now. You two are steadily increasing your powers.” After regaining his composure enough to smile, he said, “Thank you for informing me of this before the game begins. In a way, you are allowing me to make preparations. I know that the two of you aren’t normal students but I think you should be a little smarter about what you do.”

Without waiting for a response, Takayanagi walked away from the cooking preparation room.

Izumiko and Miyuki watched him walk down the main staircase, presumably to return to Class 1-A. They did not move until he was out of sight.

After a moment, Izumiko asked Miyuki, “...How did you know I was here?”

“I don’t really want to talk about it but it felt like Wamiya could sense what was going on,” Miyuki answered somewhat grudgingly.

So that’s why he didn’t want to talk about it, Izumiko thought.

She took this as a statement saying that he was still unwilling to accept his connection with Wamiya. Because of this, she felt as if she couldn’t say she was happy he had come. And she knew it would have been out of character for Miyuki to say he was glad she was safe. Unlike when it came to talking with Yukimasa, Izumiko had an idea of what his son likely wouldn’t say.

Far from looking concerned, Miyuki currently looked annoyed.

“Hey, Izumiko. Don’t be so easy to take advantage of. His last threat was definitely real.”

Admittedly, Izumiko thought she had been reckless as well. The last thing she had said to Takayanagi had definitely been unnecessary.

“We didn’t know this but the chemistry club is planning to launch a hot air balloon. When I went to check it out, I went through a door and I think I triggered some sort of spell…”

“Takayanagi was pretty surprised too, wasn’t he? But he’s been doing a good job keeping a low profile all this time while he’s been working,” Miyuki said. There was no optimism in his voice. “Now that this has happened, let’s make a plan. We can’t be unsure of where we stand in all of this. I think it’s safe to say that he’s declared war on us. On top of that, we can’t disguise ourselves as powerless anymore.”

Izumiko couldn’t say anything. Instead, she asked, “Do you know the book, Flowers for Algernon? Takayanagi said it’s his favorite book.”

“So he’s the kind of person who’d read that book, huh,” Miyuki said. His voice sounded strange. Izumiko automatically raised her gaze to his face at his quick reaction.

“Have you read it too, Sagara?”

“It’s a pretty old scifi story. I think it’s by Daniel Keyes.”

Izumiko absently wondered if the two boys had more in common than she and Miyuki did. It was an odd feeling. She wanted to say that she would try reading the book but she couldn’t bring herself to put together the words. Miyuki would probably misunderstand the sentiment after what had just happened.

“…We haven’t talked about what sort of books we like before now.”

“Are you saying it’s an important topic?”

“I found out what Takayanagi’s favorite book is today. But I still don’t know what your favorite book is.”  

“You’ve never said what your favorite book is,” Miyuki quickly countered. “What’s your favorite book?”

After pausing to consider this, Izumiko replied, “Um… The Pillow Book maybe, I guess.”  

Miyuki was silent. He remained quiet.

He might have been almighty when it came to exams but it was becoming increasingly clear to Izumiko that he didn’t read the classics.

Giving up, Izumiko sighed and said, “I think I understand a little why Takayanagi and the people working with him summoned the spirits to the academy.”

Miyuki looked at her, his gaze sharp. He might not have been able to comment on Sei Shonagon but he could understand what she was saying now.

“Tell me.”

“I think they’re trying to make an alternate reality like in Togakushi. If they managed to do it, wouldn’t there be some overlap between realities after they made one?”

Continuing to gaze at her, Miyuki summed up what she had been trying to put together. “In other words you’re saying that they brought the deceased spirits from the Hachioji Castle ruins here to act as summoning objects in creating the alternate dimension?”        

Izumiko only nodded. Even she felt overwhelmed by the clarity created by Miyuki’s words. Still, it was most likely the truth.

“This definitely seems to be turning into a Warring States event where anything’s possible,” Miyuki whispered, his voice quiet.

The two of them were keenly beginning to sense that things could never return to the way they had been before. Regardless of what was planned, Houjou Academy’s school festival would not be uneventful. 

Continued in Red Data Girl 5: My Longest Day of School

#rdg #red data girl #rdg world heritage girl #translation #rdg 4 #rdg 4 week 30

[cloud17dreams]

Trouble In Paradise (Jeonghan)

Note: Requested! I hope you like this, shy cloud!

- Admin Mochi ✨

Jeonghan stabbed at his phone’s keyboard in annoyance as he heard your giggles from across the practice room. Joshua’s mellow voice followed suit, encouraging you, as you tried strumming at the guitar in your lap again. The long-haired boy couldn’t help himself and allowed himself to glance up through his eyelashes.

You both were sitting against the mirrored walls but you were sitting close- too close. Joshua had his arms around you, guiding your fingers across the neck of the instrument, teaching you to how to strum to the beat. If either of you could feel the heat rays coming from Jeonghan’s eyes, you didn’t show it. Jeonghan bit his lip in contempt as Joshua grinned at you.  

One more smile and I might cut the strings on that guitar….

Slight guilt and surprise at his thoughts washed over Jeonghan as he ripped his gaze away from you and Joshua. He was usually such a pacifist, the mom friend of the group of known as Seventeen. And it wasn’t like you were his; he had no right to be mad.

Yet….he was. And Jeonghan just couldn’t deny it anymore- he had a crush on you.

It had begun five years ago, the moment you became a Pledis trainee and a month before Seventeen was set to debut. You were new to the place and Jeonghan could still remember the cute expression of uncertainty on your face as you walked through the third level, trying to find the other members of your group.

Jeonghan had been lounging outside of the practice room, drinking from a plastic water bottle, when he saw you. You were lugging a small duffel bag and wearing silver running shoes. Your hair was tied up and you wore no makeup- a typical look for hours of training- but Jeonghan thought you were quite beautiful without all the cosmetics.

“Are you okay?” Jeonghan called out to you. Usually he didn’t reach out to strangers but he couldn’t help himself- you just looked so confused. Your head snapped up to face him and you pursed your lips sheepishly.

“Um….” You drawled out. “Do you know where I can find PR 301?” PR was short for Practice Room.

“It’s right here,” Jeonghan pointed at the small sign behind his head. “But I think you mean PR 103. That’s where all the other girls are.”

“Oh,” You thumped your head with your hand in a “duh!” gesture and grinned, giving Jeonghan a bow. “Thank you, sunbae!”

Jeonghan grinned back at you and watched as you dashed off to the stairs, to make it in time before the instructor called you off.

The next time he saw you, it was a week later and you were all alone in the practice room. You were sat on the floor, rubbing your sore ankles. When Jeonghan came inside, you looked up and the boy could swear his heart skipped a beat. You immediately stood up, bowed, and apologized as you picked up your bag but Jeonghan stopped you.

He introduced himself and you did as well and soon, the two of you were sitting across from each other and talking. Despite just meeting you, Jeonghan had managed to get you venting about everything: how hard and risky trainee life was, how you missed home so much, how you didn’t think you were skilled enough to be a noteworthy idol. In return, the Seventeen member told you his burdens and gave you advice.

By the end of it all, the smile was back on your face and Jeonghan decided then that he always wanted to see you happy. A few minutes later, one of your members came looking for you, and you took your leave but not before thanking the long-haired boy for everything.

Ever since that day, Jeonghan was always the one you first one you ran to. And maybe that was why he felt protective of you. He was your best friend, your first opinion, your confidant. Not anyone else. It had been this way for five years.

But five years later, Jeonghan found himself always imagining your smile when he was supposed to be singing or eagerly awaiting your presence after you finished practicing for the night. You had become more than a best friend to him and you didn’t even know it.

Jeonghan ran his fingers through his black locks and pulled his hood up, trying to block out the sounds of your voice asking Joshua about a certain chord. Staring down at his hands, he wondered. Would you ever know his feelings? Would you two ever be something more?

It was common knowledge that relationships between Korean idol’s were almost taboo- especially if you were still considered new. Fans would get out of control, album sales would drop, stress would ensue, hate mail would be sent in every form. Falling in love was dangerous in this world and one should always tread carefully.

As Jeonghan mulled over this, frustration began to rise within him. He had no idea what to do. And the most ironic thing was that the one person he wanted to tell this all to…..was the one person he couldn’t.

Not able to take any of this, the young man shot to his feet. The huff of anger that left his lips was almost inaudible but when you looked up, you could see the dark look on your best friend’s face before he turned away.

“Jeonghan? Where-”

Without listening to you, Jeonghan walked out of the room and slammed the door behind him. He kept walking, walking, walking- until he found himself on the rooftop of Pledis Entertainment.

The slender boy leaned against the walls and looked down at the city. Bright lights that never went to sleep twinkled before his eyes and cars rushed past. People were still outside, walking to somewhere unknown. Jeonghan could see some fans standing around the entrance of the building, hoping for a glimpse of their idol.

With a sigh, Jeonghan turned his back on the city and just stared down at the ground. A cool gust of wind blew across his face, clearing his mind a little. He closed his eyes and just relaxed, listening to the rush of vehicles and the occasional shout of a vendor owner…..

The raven-haired boy was so caught up in his serenity, he didn’t hear the sound of the roof door opening then closing shut. It wasn’t until he heard footsteps advancing did he realize he wasn’t alone.

“Hey.” You said with a small smile when Jeonghan lifted his head.

“Oh…” Jeonghan straightened up. “Ah. Hey.”

You joined Jeonghan’s side and copied his way of slumping against the wall. The air is quiet yet heavy. With curiosity, with anxiety, with admiration.

“So….” You started and glanced over at your best friend, who refused to look at you. “Jeonghan….are you alright?”

The answer was clipped, taut. “Yeah, I’m fine.” Your best friend mumbled to his shoes. Knitting your eyebrows in disbelief, you leaned down a little to meet his familiar brown orbs. But he averted his gaze, his pupils sliding to the left.

“Liar.”

Jeonghan bit his lip and shrugged. “It’s really nothing, Y/N.”

You crossed your arms over your chest. “Then why are you avoiding me?”

Silence.

Chuckling, you unfolded your limbs and tucked your hands into the pocket of your jeans. It’s painfully silent before you break the tension. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”

The boy let out a sigh of defeat. “I know…”

“But?”

“But?” Jeonghan echoed, giving you a puzzled look.

“Usually when people sigh like that there’s a ‘but’ in it.” You answered with a knowing smile. Your face then softened and you reached out to take Jeonghan’s hand, like you had done a million times before. He doesn’t pull away when you take it, rubbing circles into the back of his hand with your thumb.

Jeonghan swallowed, feeling his heart race. To tell or not to tell? It was hard to think with your light massaging. A few seconds passed before he made his decision: he wasn’t going to lose you.

Your best friend takes a deep breath, causing you to look up at his beautiful face. You had always harbored a crush on Jeonghan and sometimes, you just didn’t think it was fair. Talented, understanding, funny, and he was good-looking. It was no wonder he was considered one of the more charismatic Seventeen members. You’d never be able to compete with all the other pretty idols and fans.

Or so you thought. Because the next words that came out of the angelic boy’s lips was not what you expected.

“Y/N, I think I like you.”

Jeonghan felt the feather-like movements on his smooth skin cease. He looked over to gauge your expression- which was blank, as if you were trying to figure out if you heard correctly. Finally, your eyes slowly looked up to meet his- and you could tell he meant it.

You were clearly speechless. The more the silence stretched on, the more nervous Jeonghan became. Would you run away from him? Would you avoid him? Did he just let five years of friendship go down the drain?

Hating himself, Jeonghan tried his best to do damage control. He laughed but it was transparently fake. “I-I mean, if you don’t feel the same way….that’s okay. I just wanted to let you know. You know, since we’re so close and….secrets…..” Jeonghan sighed then pushed his back off the cold concrete wall. You were still standing there, eyes staring down at your sneakers. “I guess….I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

The slim boy began to walk away but felt himself get jerked backwards. Jeonghan glanced down at your hand on his wrist then up at you, hope in his eyes. You looked as if you were internally trying to make a decision- your eyes shifted side to side and your teeth were biting down on your bottom lip.

“Jeonghan.” You began and took a breath, nervously looking up into his eyes. A small smile graced the boy’s lips as he reached out a tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. His hand hovered near your temple before he placed it gently on your cheek, cupping your face. You closed your eyes and resumed talking. “I think…..I think I like you too.”

Confetti and streamers filled Jeonghan’s heart until it finally burst. His sweet smile turned into a full-on box-shaped grin of delight, the first thing you saw when you opened your eyes. And soon, you were being pulled into a hug. You giggled, returning his embrace before you both pulled away.

His hands were both on your face as Jeonghan hesitated. You gazed back, knowing what he wanted. You smiled and nodded before slipping your eyelids shut once again.

The five seconds it took for Jeonghan’s lips to find yours felt like five years. But came, it did. First came the smell; minty with a hint of chapstick. Then came the feeling; his lips were as soft as a cloud, as gentle as a raindrop. And finally, then came the aftershock; your heart kicking up to a hundred beats per minute as you kissed the boy back, the growing smile that was threatening to break the kiss.

Soon, you both were giggling instead of kissing, foreheads pressed against each other. Jeonghan’s eyes blazed into yours, his chocolate orbs melting your heart like it did many times before.

“Guess we should start with dates for now?” Jeonghan questioned softly. “And keep us lowkey?” Us. You quite liked the sound of that.

You nodded in response. “It’ll be hard….but it’s a start.”

“Great.”

You two pulled away and Jeonghan took your hand in his, chuckling to himself. You raised an eyebrow at him, silently asking to explain himself.

The boy shook his head in amusement. “It’s just….I thought you might’ve liked Jisoo.”

A look of slight horror dawned on your face to which Jeonghan questioned. You laughed nervously as you replied. “Um. Well. I’m not saying he’s ugly, it’s just that….Joshua….is my cousin.”

Cousin?

Jeonghan’s eyebrows flew up in surprise and stayed there while you recounted the story. You and Joshua had just found out last month, when your mom came to Korea with Mrs.Hong. Second cousins, but related was related.

“Wow….” Jeonghan drawled in disbelief when you were done. “So….you’ve been spending time with him because….”

“We were family-bonding.” You confirmed, a smirk forming on your lips when you registered the relief on the boy’s soft features. “Awww. Jeonghan….were you jealous?”

The boy gave you a haughty look before he ripped his eyes away from you. In other words: yes, he was. You grinned and triumphantly poked his cheek.

“Stop.”

“Admit it.”

“Admit what?”

“That you were jealous.”

Jeonghan scoffed. “I wasn’t jealous.”

You rolled your eyes and reached up to squeeze the boy’s pale cheeks, pulling his face from side to side as you talked. “Whose jealous cutie are you?” You asked in a sickly-sweet tone, the kind one might use with a dog or a newborn.

“Okay, I can see how you and Jisoo are related now.” Jeonghan muttered in playful annoyance and you laughed, letting go of his face. “But seriously. Dinner tomorrow? We can drive to that café near your dorm.”

You nodded and took your best (sorry, boy) friend’s hand. “Sounds good.”

#requested #by mochi #jeonghan #yoon jeonghan #jeonghan scenarios #seventeen #seventeen fluff #jeonghan fluff #seventeen scenarios

[crimsonblackrose]

After our super sad trip to USJ we were all determined to do a much better job with Disney Sea. Our hotel was nearby, it included a free shuttle so there was no way to get lost, we just had to pick up our tickets and ride the Disney train.

I had a list of goals for Disney Sea

Try alien mochi

Ride a new ride (Lost River Delta) with preferably a fast pass

Watch Big Band Beat

Find and buy the Disney Sea pins.

Anything else would just be a nice addition.

When we arrived a showing for their summer pirate themed water show  was  starting but my friends were very adamant that this time I wouldn’t miss the show on my list. So we bee-lined straight for Biglietteria so that we could try our hands at the lottery. Biglietteria is a small area near the entrance and Mediterranean Harbor with a ton of screens where you scan your passes for the lottery you want to enter. For Big Band Beat that means to get reserved seating (best seating) for the show. However this doesn’t include the first show, it’s for all the shows after. You can also only enter the lottery once. That’s it. It essentially is like playing a slot machine nut if you loose there’s no more chances. So we didn’t win. What we decided to do was to go try and get a fast pass for a ride and just come back to the first show which was a free for all. We quickly headed to the Lost River Delta as the music for the show began to swell and the crowds began to get bigger. We managed to get a fast pass for Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull and then when we tried to get one for Raging Spirits quickly learned that after getting one fast pass you’re stuck with a wait time of at least an hour before you can do it again. (And awkwardly in our case, one hour for two of us and two hours for the third, we and staff couldn’t figure that one out.)

Thankfully a cast member caught us and explained it to us. She also was very kind and since for at least one friend it was her first time at Disney ever, so she gave her a cute sticker so that the staff would welcome her to her first journey to Disney. We also all got first ride of the day stickers with a cute Baymax drawn on it. (That throughout the day and the heat we all subsequently lost at one point or another.)

Since we had a lot of time before we could make another fast pass or go to the first showing of Big Band Beat we headed over to the Arabian Coast to get some popcorn and kill some time. As we were doing this an alert came through the speakers throughout the park in multiple languages saying that due to extreme heat they were asking guests to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks. We figured this was our plan as well and hopped in line for a short 20 minute wait at Jasmine’s Flying Carpets. Then we bought curry popcorn and a cute popcorn box to trade off carrying for the day.

While at USJ we didn’t eat much popcorn, at Disney Sea we ate a ton of it and this Steamboat Willie popcorn bucket was constantly being refilled. (And also occasionally played with since the top makes a fun squeaking sound) It did however sometimes reach the same fate as the Sailor Moon box at USJ, which was that the popcorn after a certain amount of time started to go stale.

Before leaving the Arabian coast we figured we’d see how long the line was for the Caravan Carousel, there was practically no line so we quickly joined, waited for the ride that was going to end and then climbed up to the second floor to pick our creature.

It was just nice to already have beaten our poor record at Universal Studios Japan. We had a bit of time left before the first showing of Big Band Beat so we decided to go grab lunch first. My friends got very excited looking at the menu for New York Deli which was near Big Band Beat so we figured we’d go eat there. We also planned to stock up on water while there as well since we had yet to see any for sale. The New York Deli is huge. There is so much seating. But when we went it was slammed. I sent my friends to get in line while I looked for a spot and there were just no tables open so I hovered. Eventually one nearby opened and I swooped in to take it and wait for them. One came back and relieved me of duty so I could join the other in line and we could order together to save time. I ordered the deli salad. And learned much to all of our dismay, that they didn’t sell water.

860 yen for the deli salad

They did have cups that you could use and a little fountain, but no bottles, which I know is not the greenest thing but to have a container for water that you can quickly shove in your bag on rides is much easier than a paper cup. The salad was okay but very difficult to eat. It was a regular salad but then whole sandwich slices of meat on top, and sticks of cheese, which were not the easiest things to mix into the salad.  After lunch we headed to Big Band Beat and were pretty happy to see no line.

Big Band Beat is the only show at Disney Sea that’s in English. It’s all music and songs in a swinging jazz 1920’s big band style. It was really nice to sit inside and watch it and it was quite fun.

While the first showing is a first come first served set up, for the rest of the showing the first floor seating is only for those who win the lottery and the rest of the seats are first come first serve. It’s well worth it, we didn’t get there early enough for the first floor seating, but our seats were quite good. Better than the time I saw Hamilton and was behind a pole. I think, it makes a perfect break, especially on a hot day. After the show we quickly found the alien mochi I’d wanted to try.

Three come in a cup and all are different flavors. The filling is chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream. It was so nice.

Because of the time one of our friends left in a hurry to see if she could quickly get us our fast passes for Raging Spirits. While she did that my other friend with the popcorn box jumped into the popcorn line (garlic shrimp) and I went on a hunt for water. What I quickly learned, despite the many many alerts going off to stay hydrated, that water isn’t commonly found at Disney Sea. As the day progressed we realized more often than not that the vendors didn’t sell water. Soda and ice cream yes, but water, no. So it became a thing, that if we saw water we bought it. And sometimes one of us would run off while the others were in line and run half way around the park in search of a vendor that did in fact sell water. It was incredibly frustrating. It was also more expensive than not only water outside the park but the water we’d bought (and had been available at every single vendor) in USJ.

Ukiwah bun 500 yen

I’m a bit sensitive to spicy so there’s a lot of things I didn’t try last time out of fear. But one of my friends who was with me was down to try everything, and since she’s the one who’d ran to try and get us fast pass tickets I wanted to get her a treat, something we could maybe share but also mostly for her. Disney Sea does these cute buns that come in very cute character wrapping. Last time I was in Disney Sea the Arabian coast had one filled with curry and Chandu on it, but because it might have been spicy I decided not to get it. But I’d asked about it in the Arabian coast earlier that day and they said they didn’t sell it in the summer. So instead when we were walking from the American Waterfront into Port Discovery I got in line at Seaside Snacks and got a pipping hot bun to carry over to the Lost River Delta to give her. I could literally only hold it by the the top because it was way too hot. It was very cute and not bad, not spicy either so I enjoyed a bite. It was filled with shrimp. Probably, it’s more enjoyable when it’s cooler out.

Back in the Lost River Delta we learned that the fast pass option had been closed for the day. We’d missed our opportunity to get a fast pass for Raging Spirits. Which was fine. We still had one fast pass for Indiana Jones and speeding through the line, scanning our tickets was really nice. (Though sitting in the Jeep for the ride hurt one of our friends knees, due to some position she got stuck in for the duration.) The wait time for Raging Spirits never seemed to drop below 2 hours so eventually after walking past it a couple times to see, we gave up and returned to where we’d been the luckiest, the Arabian Coast.

It was hot, we were tired. The waits in the Arabian coast weren’t long at all so we decided we’d see what we assumed would be a show and got in line for Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage. It ended up being the best ride. It’s a slow boat ride with a very similar aesthetic to It’s a Small World with singing marionettes. However it tells the adventurous story of Sinbad, a bit nicer and Disney-fied version, and includes Sinbad’s adorable tiger cub companion Chandu, which I had totally mistaken as a baby Raja when I saw the souvenirs and even the curry bun last year. Apparently when the ride first opened there wasn’t any singing and it was a bit creepier and darker and truer to the original story. But I liked the cute adventurous song that played throughout the ride and will keep playing it over and over on youtube. I didn’t get sick of it the way I would for It’s a small world, and it was cool and dark and it was just nice to sit for so long. If you’re in the area and it doesn’t have a long wait I suggest going.

At this point despite taking constant breaks we were running low on energy. One friend in particular, who’d gotten her knee twisted a bit uncomfortably wasn’t doing so well so we took a break and had some snacks

shaved ice with strawberry and ice cream at Sultan’s Oasis

After recovering for a little bit we decided to hop on the Transit Steamer line to take it from the Lost River Delta to the Mediterranean Harbor. I figured it’d be easier on my friends knee and would put us closer to shopping so we could buy the things we’d been wanting to get. Plus we’d be closer to the last popcorn flavor they wanted to try, Chinese Chili which was a little spicy. (Our favorite ended up being the curry)

It was a nice peaceful boat ride and they got to see more of the park from another view, like the Mysterious Island that we’d only quickly passed through earlier in the day to get to our lunch.

The pins were a little disappointing. There weren’t a lot available which even the staff at some of the shops, when we asked about them mentioned. We were told that they sold out often and the options didn’t usually say “Disney Sea” but after some searching we found a couple that we liked, including one of Chandu and one for a new ride that was broken when we passed and with an insanely long line outside called Soaring: Fantastic Flight which you can get a fast pass for. We decided after seeing the line and learning it wasn’t currently running that it wasn’t something we had energy to wait for.

Finally near all the shops as the sun began to set we grabbed a table and got in line for Mamma Biscotti’s Bakery which according to the Today’s event guide for the summer was having some bubble tea drink. It was in Japanese so we weren’t sure exactly what it was or how it tied in to their summer pirate theme. We ordered one and then got a ton of really cute baked goods to split.

The bubble tea drink turned out to not be bubble tea but iced bubble coffee, so we weren’t as happy with it as we’d originally hoped. (As 2 mostly tea drinkers and one dehydrated picky coffee drinker) However the long line at the bakery was for this drink. Our snacks though were really good. We got (from left to right) a banana and walnut muffin (300 yen), a black tea bread with custard (280 yen), and an apple custard danish (330 yen). With everything cooling off, some snacks and feeling a bit more rested we had a small second wind. So we decided to wander off towards the Teddy Roosevelt Lounge for dinner.

While the Teddy Roosevelt Lounge wasn’t on my must do list, it had been on my I’d like to go to list, mostly for one of their insane seasonal parfaits. But I was also hungry. The salad I’d had earlier in the day hadn’t been particularly filling, and I was mostly full of popcorn, and I really didn’t want another night of convenience store dinner. So I figured I’d order food and if my friends wanted to help me eat it then they could. If not I’d do my best.

2,040 yen

I ended up ordering one of their very meaty platters. It came with three different types of sausage (one of which was spicy), a beef pie, and chicken breast. It was a lot. But I felt like I hadn’t gotten a lot of protein (yes I completely forgot my salad had been sliced meat on top of leaves after a long day in the sun) and another friend with a special diet needed wanted some meat to counteract the sweets. It was quite good, but a bit too much for me. While I’m not a vegetarian I don’t eat that much meat and this was like a meat lovers platter. Then I ordered the thing I was most excited for. The seasonal parfait.

The seasonal parfait can be a bit more expensive if you want to keep the fancy glass it comes in (2,260 yen) but if you’re like me and have no space in your luggage and just want a nice seasonal treat then it’s about 1,230 yen. It was so good. It was mostly mango and pineapple with some blueberries snuck in there. So after the fresh fruit which included some insanely delicate slices of folded mango was whipped cream then below that was a delightful fruit sorbet then more whipped cream, some fruit jelly, more fruit and it just was layered to match the fruit on top. Since it’s a seasonal parfait if you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies I’d ask the staff first what’s in it.

Some Teddy Roosevelt paraphernalia

The Teddy Roosevelt lounge has a much fancier atmosphere. The food is a bit more pricier than you’ll find elsewhere in the park but it’s also a lot calmer and has a more adult vibe, especially around the bar. If you want a more chill atmosphere to eat or even if you have a large group it’s a good spot to go. The three of us sat at a booth that could have easily fit 9 or more people, it was insane. If you’re also a fan of US history/ presidents there’s tons of Teddy Roosevelt stuff around the restaurant. And the bar is held up by carved wooden bears.

After dinner we split up. The friend whose knee was hurting and I took the train then shuttle back to our hotel while our other friend who was at Disney for the first time stayed to ride a few rides and watch the fire works on her own. She ended up leaving when the park closed and even waited in the insanely long ride for Raging Spirits.  Ultimately it wasn’t that bad. But oh boy, summer in Japan is brutal, especially at amusement parks without much shade.

Things we did to combat the heat:

We took breaks often. If there was a seat somewhere, whether it was in the sun or not, we grabbed it. Usually one person (me) would grab a seat or hover until a seat opened up, then everyone else would order their food or drinks or snacks and then we’d either switch or I’d pay them back.

If we saw water for sale we bought it.

Anytime we were out in the sun we used our umbrellas/parasols.

50+SPF sunscreen was reapplied when we went to the bathrooms. We even shared with the occasional other slowly burning tourist who’d forgotten some.

We all had fans that we got here. It’s a Korean website, so not easy to navigate if you don’t know Korean, but those fans were great. We wore them on our neck and they  blew air up into our face so our hands were free. Mini portable rechargeable fans are really popular in Korea and have been for the last couple of years, however this is the only kind I’ve seen that is hands free and blows towards you. Only note with the fan is if you have long hair and it gets caught you’re kinda in a world of trouble. (I did this at USJ and my friends had to spend a good five minutes in line for butter beer rescuing my hair from my fan) They also do occasionally turn themselves off.

At the nearest convenience store/ drug store I stocked up on -3 degrees Biore sheets which are these wet towelettes that when rubbed against your skin make you feel cooler. One of my friends did not like them because it made her skin in certain spots have a burning sensation. Like in the crease of her elbow or the backs of her knees. So if you have sensitive skin, skip these. It’s like a cool tingly feeling that I didn’t mind, kinda like a mint product. If you’re curious this is a the Japanese website for what we used. I literally loved it so much that I bought more to take home.

a handkerchief- Whenever I’m traveling and it’s going to be hot I bring a lightweight “My neighbor Totoro” handkerchief that I tie around my wrist to soak up sweat. It’s gross but I hate the feel of dripping sweat so it’s necessity, and it’s better than rubbing my face with my hands, or trying to use my shirt. Plus I can pour water on it and then my wrist is cool for a bit.

bring your own water bottle. Fill it up before you get to the park. Some times there’s water fountains but not often. Or buy several bottles of water outside the park to carry in your bag throughout the day. There really aren’t a lot of places around the park selling water or even with water available. I’d say maybe 1/3rd of vendors offer it. If that.

Surviving Japanese Summer: Disney Sea edition After our super sad trip to USJ we were all determined to do a much better job with Disney Sea.

#amusement parks #disney #Disney Sea #japan #summer at disney sea #summer in japan #tokyo #travel