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#i truly didn't expect any of them so consider me pleasantly surprised
sarumans · 1 month
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ah omg i will answer the character asks tomorrow !!! thank u so much for sending them
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topazztalks · 2 years
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Read more more making Xmas! I wanna get through as plenty events as I can today so sorry if this comes off as spam.
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This felt a lot more like an epilogue to MMJ's first act than its own individual piece but it was really cute and a good epilogue nonetheless. I especially really liked the final chapter.
I wasn't expecting this event to have some focus on Haruka for some reason so I was pleasantly surprised we spent a good chunk of it in her POV. There's not too much to say in that regard, but it was a nice further contrast between her and Minori. I also like how in spite of coming to a different conclusion by the halfway point, the story doesn't treat her perspective as wrong.
I think the final event of MMJ's first act revolving around exposing their fans to the messiness of the unit in a much more literal sense is perfect considering the previous events had all built up them to see the idols for who they are instead of their idealized perception of them. It's also a very nice contrast to Minori, someone who learned the harsh reality of what it is to be an idol the hard way yet still managed to keep her naive optimism no matter what.
Of course, the little moment Airi and Shizuku got with their fans towards the end was also super sweet. Once again, calling back to their growth really helps this event feel like more of a bow for the current timeline events.
I'd like to take this time to write a little bit of a love letter towards Minori. She was a character I didn't know how to feel about for the longest time. Her character really worried me at first given how easily they could use her hard work and positivity to just get everyone in MMJ through any situation no matter how unrealistic. That is, however, until you realize this is a realistic story. Minori's inclusion in MMJ hinders their chances to get into an agency. Minori's exposure to the girls' true selves ends up ruining previous fans' perceptions of them to mixed results. She's repeatedly told to be holding MMJ back through her clumsiness and incompetence. Her low self-esteem has her acting irrationally, such as when she tried to be more like An to be the ideal partner for Haruka, in spite of how Haruka liked her just the way she was. In spite of all of this, however, Minori tries to find a silver lining and does what she believes is best for everyone, but especially her group members. MMJ's freelance work led to them gaining tons of new fans as well as a new-found appreciation from old fans after seeing the girls for who they truly are. And it's that persistence that has her rewarded eventually after all of the hardships. She's constantly given a perspective and thought process to how she makes these decisions so these moments never feel unwarranted. And here, utilizing her previous experiences as a fan, she finally has a fanbase of her own and a place in MMJ. It's just really sweet seeing her go from an average sheltered fangirl to a fully-fledged and matured idol.
There isn't much else to say, however. This event was quite nice.
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dreamlandcreations · 2 years
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Prisoner
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Boba Fett x criminal!Reader
Summary: It wasn't personal. It was just a job. If anyone should understand it's the most famous bounty hunter in the galaxy...
Warnings: stealing, a hint of violence, Fennec being murderous, age gap, brief fingering, throne sex, unprotected sex, cockwarming
Enemies to lovers masterlist of February
Frenemies to lovers (marvel) masterlist of February
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"How did you find me?" You ask the master assassin who managed to capture you and bring you back to the palace.
"I've been doing this work for a long time." She answers vaguely with a smug expression.
Oh, how you are itching to make a joke about her age but you restrain yourself. "That's not an answer."
Your question is left unanswered as your interrogation begins when the mighty daimyo enters the throne room.
"Who hired you?" Boba Fett wastes no time in questioning you, his motionless face betrays no emotion but his body language is intimidating.
"What will I get out of it if I tell you?" Answering a question with a question always riles up the weak and you are expecting the man before you to drop the act and become an angry shadow of himself as he threatens you but his cold demeanour stays and you are pleasantly surprised.
"You are not in a position to negotiate."
He passed the first test but you decide to keep pushing his limits with more teasing.
"Of course I am, I'm the only one you know that can deliver something you want and it's up to you to make an offer to convince me it's worth the trouble."
"Or we just kill you." Shand offers rather too enthusiastically.
"Then you never see your armour again." You answer her but still address the man in front of you, eyes never wandering from his.
"What do you want?" He demands to know after a long moment of silence, his voice still as calm as possible.
"I want you to convince me you are worthy to be on that throne." Your well-practised wicked smirk follows his inquiry and you move on to the next phase of your test to see if he would be worth the trouble. "Why did you take it in the first place?"
"I was ready to retire from this life but I was dragged back into it when they killed my people." He replies without hesitation, his answer holds no anger, still, you want to make sure.
"Oh, so it's revenge." You make it sound like it's a disappointment and if it's true then it truly is.
"I had my revenge." Again, no hesitation. He steps closer to you, towering over your smaller form and holding your gaze as he continues his explanation that you both know he doesn't owe you. "I want justice and prosperity for these people and I can give that to them. I want to rule with respect but I know I'll have to earn it by fighting for them and I need my armour for that."
You are silent for a while, considering him and turning off your teasing facade to slip into your more natural, deadly serious state.
"Cad Bane." You reveal your employer's name, adding information he didn't ask for. "He works for the Pykes."
Fett's jaw ticks in anger but he doesn't show you any more reaction. He orders Fennec to interrogate you further and find a way to retrieve his armour.
You refuse to pay attention to her and make an offer to the daimyo before he can leave the room. "If you let me go, I'll steal it back for you."
"No, Boba, you can't trust a thief." Fennec's hiss is left ignored as you resume your staring match.
"Trust is a lot like respect, you have to earn it but sometimes you'll have to give it in advance."
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Not able to resist the temptation to sneak up on the men, you drop the package behind Boba and it almost earns you a shot from the Mandalorian.
"You made it back just in time." Boba is less jumpy and greets you with an appreciative head tilt before moving on to getting ready for battle.
It's not until he has every piece on except his helmet that he sees your wince and your posture as you lean onto the wall and keep holding your side where blood started to dribble to the floor.
"You are injured." He grumbles and turns to Fennec, who returned from scouting. "Get our little thief to the bakta tank."
"No, I'm fine. I can fight." Your refusal is met with a disapproving look and an attempt to stare you down into submission. You conclude the nonverbal argument with a raise of your eyebrow and a frustrated huff from him.
You stay with them when Fennec goes to collect the others and you fight along with the men, providing cover-fire until those droids arrive and Boba orders you to take the others to safety.
When it's all done he finds you by the ruins where the others hid, losing more and more blood by the second.
"In the tank with you, little one." The last thing you remember before you lose conciseness is that he lifts you up in his arms and you feel your stomach drop as he lifts off the ground to take you back to the palace.
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Only a service droid is there when you wake up in the batka tank, a momentarily panic overtakes you at the closed quarters and liquid all around you.
As soon as you are out you get rid of your wet clothes and the droid presents you a robe. You don't bother looking around, just wander down to where you think you'll find the man you want to see.
The place is dark and eerily silent. You find Boba in the centre of the room, resting on the seat that now by all rights belong to him.
"Where are the others?" You want to ask what is he doing here on his own but refrain to delve into that as you can sense that something is bothering him.
"Sleeping off their hangover, I would guess."
"How long was I out?"
"A day." Your presence pulled him out of his thoughts but that mournful air still surrounds him so you decide to lighten the mood.
"It looks good on you." You say with a nod towards him, referring to the armour you stole, now twice. "The throne suits you too."
"What do you plan on doing now?" Maybe it's just your imagination but it sounds like he was afraid to ask.
That wicked smirk of yours returns as you step forward. "You."
If you could see his face now with that comically disbelieving look you might laugh but his hesitation to react tells you all you need to know before he says it.
"Why would you want an old man?" Feeling brave, you move even closer, then settle in his lap, your legs part and your robe opens below your navel. Your knees are trapped between his and the armrest of the throne but you don't mind being stuck there.
"Seeing you fight got me all hot and bothered, old man." Brushing along his chestplate your hand finds his and you take off his glove before you guide his fingers to your drenched slit. "This is your doing. Won't you help me ease the pain?"
You let go of him and brace yourself on his shoulders, waiting for his move. His decision comes in a blink of an eye and the motions of his fingers drew a gasp out of you before you start to moan for him.
Boba plays with your clit, slowly circling then dipping the tip of two fingers into you just to repeat the torture. He waits until you beg for more and you cry for him so sweetly that he can't help his own eagerness.
With his free hand, he takes off his helmet, placing it beside you then grabs you by the back of your head and steals a lustful, demanding kiss from you while pushing his fingers into you, stretching you out with maddeningly slow strokes. It's not his goal to make you come yet, Boba is as much of a tease as you are but he wants to open you up for what's next.
You free his hardening cock from his pants and return the taunting by lazily dragging along his length. As soon as he deems you ready, Boba quickly withdraws from you, ignoring your whine and pulls you closer, positioning you in an awkward angle that makes you lose your balance and tips you backwards.
Only his steady hands prevent you from falling when he impales you with a swift thrust of his hips and a yank on your own. Your upper body arches further away from him, almost bending you in half and you catch the edge of the armrest at the last moment before you actually fall off the throne.
Your moans and his grunts echo in the empty room. He snaps up into you a few times, hard and fast to make you feel what he's capable of then he adjusts so you could hold onto him again and he orders you to ride him.
His hands on your hips still guide you, up and down and into a position where every time you take him to the hilt it leaves you trembling with pleasure.
He fills you so perfectly, you never want to stop but the orgasm builds up faster than you thought was possible for you. When you start to clench around him you can tell that he wants to go on but he cannot resist your begging this time either.
When he feels you tighten around him he thrusts up with more and more force, his pace coming to a stuttering halt just before he groans loudly and you feel him pulse deep in you as he pumps you full of his cum while you chant his name like a prayer.
Falling into his embrace as soon as the lightning-like wave of bliss starts to ease, you nuzzle into his neck, feeling so carefree and safe at the moment, more so than ever before in your relatively short life.
"Can I stay with you?" Mumbling against his skin, almost asleep but you still want to know what to expect tomorrow.
"As long as you wish." Are the quiet words that lull you to sleep in his arms while he is still inside you. He waits until your breathing evens out then he takes you up into his bed where you wake up next to him and continue where you left off.
Boba takes his time to properly explore your body that morning, cherishing you for choosing him and for giving him back the chance to get what he desired the most at that time.
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astro-rain · 3 years
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delicate; b.barnes
chapter twelve - “it’s hovercraft time, bucky barnes”
delicate masterlist
word count: 2.4k
synopsis: neither bucky nor y/n can sleep... until they do. and the next day brings them an unexpected, but pleasant surprise.
pairings: bucky barnes x fem!reader
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It was four in the morning when the psychologist and the super soldier got in their respective beds after the nightmare. Y/N laid on her side in the bunk across from Bucky, facing away from him and staring at the wall. Her body wanted to sleep but her mind kept whirring on and on, worrying about him.
It wouldn't be that bad if she could just ignore it. It wouldn't be so bad if she wasn't wide awake also thinking about how it would be utterly impossible for him to have any eye color other than blue.
She sighed. Christ almighty, just go to sleep.
About twenty minutes passed before she heard it.
"Why are you still up?" he mumbled.
She turned over to her other side, dramatically, staring at his silhouette in the dark.
"How could you possibly know that?"
"I'm a trained assassin," he said, as a matter of fact. "I can recognize breath patterns."
"Yeah, well I know for a fact that you aren't even trying to fall back asleep."
"How could you possibly know that?" he repeated her question.
"I just do," she stated before turning on her back and staring straight up.
He scoffed playfully.
"What?" she asked.
Her tone wasn't as playful. It wasn't angry or annoyed; she could never be with him. But, it was void of emotion and her usual sarcastic cadence. She didn't enjoy people reading her like that. She knew he wasn't, but it felt like she was being called out for caring so much. She wanted to rein in her own compassion, but she couldn't help the way he softened her.
"That's just code for 'I'm a trained psychologist and I know how you're gonna react to nightmares.'"
She replied with silence, desperately trying to end the conversation so she could try to sleep and leave this night behind.
"Sorry, did I- did I say something?" he asked.
"No, you're good."
Part of her felt bad for being short with him, but she needed it to be over. She needed to somehow distance herself from her own feelings.
"I'm sorry if I woke you up with the nightmare and messed with you being able to fall back asleep. I know it's... a lot."
He's sorry. He's sorry?
"Don't you dare apologize. It's not your fault, and it's not even why I can't fall back asleep."
"What's the problem then?"
"It's nothing. Just try and get some sleep."
"Yeah... about that..."
"Will you have another?"
"Not  sure. I don't wanna find out."
"I know. And I'm sorry. Sleep shouldn't be this menacing, but you should still try anyway. Your body needs it."
"So does yours."
Y/N let out an exasperated sigh. There she went caring again and he kept deflecting. Her frustrations about her own emotions came out in stubborn defiance.
"I'm not sleeping until you do."
"Guess we're both stayin' up then."
"Bucky," she gently admonished.
"Y/N I can't- that... was the worst one I've had in a while."
That was it. Any and all aggravation faded to nothing, and her cheeks were hot with guilt. To hell with it; she refused to leave him to pain. She then got out of her bunk. Carefully, she maneuvered out and kneeled on the floor, facing him. She felt bad; she didn't mean to push him.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm sorry, I should know better."
He mirrored her actions, slipping out of his own bunk and kneeling on the floor in front of her
"It's okay," he didn't miss a beat. His voice was as soft of hers. "Thank you."
He was closer now, so she could see a more detailed outline of him. She never really noticed just how large he was. Just his arm looked as big as her head. He was supposed to look frightening, but... she just couldn't see it.
"If you don't wanna sleep that's okay. I'll stay up with you so you don't have to be alone."
"Y/N..."
"I'm already up, I don't mind," she countered. "Seriously. I'm wide awake now. Honestly, I don't even know if I could fall back asleep if I tried."
"I can't ask you to stay up and babysit just 'cause you feel bad."
She scooted forward, determined not to lose to deflection again. Babysit? and Cause you feel bad? How could he truly think so little of himself?
"I am definitely not babysitting. I just happened to be awake at the same time you are... and not because I feel bad."
He scooted forward a couple inches, squinting, trying to decipher her facial expressions. "I can't tell if you're joking or not just from your tone of voice."
In the very back of her head it returned: that hazy enchantment feeling that swelled from her lungs through her brain stem every time she was this close to him. It is important to note - it was in the very back of her brain, and if you ignore something long enough, you can convince yourself it's not there.
"James Buchanan, I am awake and there's not a thing you can do about it."
"Alright," he sighed. "I don't know if you're expecting some kind of entertainment, but I can't really juggle with one arm..."
"I can't juggle with two."
"Ever been to the circus?"
"No."
He laughed. "Oh man, you're missin' out."
"No, I got the clown right here."
"Wow, is that how it is?"
"Depends. You got face paint and a rainbow wig?"
"Smartass."
The air was quiet after their breathy laughs fizzled out. A few moments of awkwardness quietly passed, both unsure of what to say next.
"You know when you're in the dark, your pupils dilate to take in as much light as they can in order to see better?" Y/N asked.
"I think I knew that? I'm not sure, I might've heard it somewhere. Why do you ask?"
"I don't know. I can't see your face super well, so it made me think of it. I can barely even see your eyes."
"Maybe that's better," he chuckled. "I don't know if they're still blood shot from earlier."
"Like I'd care."
"Why wouldn't you?"
"What?"
"Why wouldn't you care? I feel like seeing someone's puffy face and post-cry eyes would be kinda gross."
"You really think I care if your eyes are red or puffy?" she questioned. "Buck, I know I'm probably not supposed to say this because technically I'm your doctor, but I honestly consider you a really good friend. I'd be more worried to see that you've been crying than be aversive to it."
He scoffed in honest disbelief.
"What?"
"I just can't wrap my head around the fact that you think that way about me..."
"What do you mean?"
"...the person I am, the things I've done, the..." he shook his head, "the horrors I've committed..."
"The horrors you've committed are not who you are. I know you see yourself in a lot of different ways because it's hard to un-learn what other people have decided you are: a monster, a ghost, an asset, a machine, an assassin, a weapon, whatever. But have you ever considered that you're just human after all? You're a man who got dealt a shit hand in life. But there is still light in him... light that never left, no matter how hard they tried to beat it out of you. You're a survivor, Buck."
Bucky took a deep breath in, contemplating, before turning and laying on his back. They both remained on the floor, Y/N kneeling a few inches away from the side of Bucky's supine figure. He stared straight up at the ceiling.
"Sometimes I think I'm a better 'ghost' than I am a human being. My mind's a mess, and even though I'm trying, I still can't help but feel like I've lost who I am."
"You haven't lost who you are. You're just different now, and that's okay."
He looked up at her. "How do you always know what to say?"
"I know everything."
Y/N smiled, following Bucky's laugh, allowing the somber atmosphere to lighten up a bit. They so easily slipped in and out of the therapy dynamic, but now it seemed more like a heartfelt conversation between friends rather than treatment between doctor and patient.
"I consider you a really good friend too by the way - closest one I've had since Steve."
"Wow, really? That's an honor."
"Not really," he chuckled. "Steve's a punk."
And there she went laughing again. In one way or another she always found herself laughing around him.
However, she found it more confusing than funny when she woke up the following morning to find herself sitting on the floor, leaning against one of the beds with Bucky's head in her lap. She found her hands resting on his head protectively, fingers slightly carded through his long hair. She woke up before him... That's a first.
Y/N looked down at him. He was fast asleep; he looked peaceful and so relaxed. It was such a rare state to see him in, so she gave herself a few more seconds to study how his face looked when it was completely tranquil before she smoothed her hand along the back of his head and replaced her lap with a pillow.
-
"Hey," a raspy voice called out.
Y/N turned around from her seat at the table, hands still wrapped around the cup of tea she made herself a few minutes prior.
Bucky was awake, sitting up, but still in his previous spot on the floor.
"Hey. You want some tea?"
He stood up, nodding and stretching his back. "Did I fall back asleep?"
"You did," she smiled. "I'm pleased. I told you you needed the rest."
He seemed pleasantly surprised. "And on the floor too. Very classy."
She raised her mug to him, as if to make a toast. "Classiest man I know."
He laughed before grabbing the kettle and realizing it was empty.
"Shoot. We're outta water."
"It's alright. We know where to find the waterfall. You want to go get more?"
"Mm hm."
"Alright, I'll just finish my tea and go out in a few minutes."
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm coming too."
"You sure? You just woke up. You can take some time to just relax if you want."
"No. I'm going."
"Stubborn. I can go myself, you know. I know the way."
"Would you let me go by myself?"
Y/N was silent for a moment before sighing.
"Get your shoes."
-
"You know, there was really no reason to almost push me into the water," Bucky commented as they were making their way back to the shelter after restocking their water supply.
"I wasn't actually going to!"
"You might as well have! My life flashed before my eyes!"
"Bet that took forever. You wanna backtrack? I can do it for real this time."
"I'm throwin' you in next time."
"You couldn't throw me," she challenged.
"Like a football," he countered, smirking.
"I don't wanna test that theory."
Their banter continued as they continued walking, making sure they were in the tree line and not out in the open. Bucky was always cautious. He was able to laugh with her while still making sure they were safe. That was until his arm was suddenly around the front of her shoulders, and holding her against his chest as his back was flush against a tree, effectively hiding them both from sight. She just stared forward, barely registering how fast he swiveled both of them around.
"There's someone at the bunker. I'm sorry- didn't want us to be seen."
He removed his arm, but her feet were stuck. She had never been close to him like this before; she didn't know what to think of it. She stepped forward a bit, breaking the contact but still facing away from him. She was hyperaware of their proximity but that quickly dissipated as she registered what he said.
"What did you see?"
"There were a couple people, but I didn't get a great look 'cause I moved out of sight fast. One woman, two men? I think."
His tone and demeanor reminded her of that day Shuri told them they had to go in hiding. He was so calm and collected. She forgot situations like these were practically muscle memory to him.
"Do you think someone found us? What were they doing?"
"I only saw 'em for a second, I'm not sure. Stay still, I'm gonna look."
As soon as his head peaked around the tree, so did Y/N's, ignoring his order.
"Wait, I think that's Shuri."
"Are you sure?"
"Pretty sure. I don't know if I'd bet my life on it."
"What's that other thing?"
"The hovercraft?"
"Hovercraft? God, I love this place."
"Wait, see the crest on the hovercraft - that's the one only Shuri can unlock."
"Alright, just... stay behind me. Okay?"
"Okay."
The two slowly made their way towards the three Wakandans. Y/N actually listened this time and stayed behind Bucky. As soon as they were in sight, Shuri came running up to them.
"Y/N!" she exclaimed, immediately throwing herself into the psychologist, embracing her.
She was startled at first, arms awkwardly hanging by her sides before her brain finally caught up to her and she brought her arms up lightly, returning the hug.
"Shuri! What happened?"
"We won!" Shuri grinned. "It's a long and complicated story, but the rightful King never died. My brother has reclaimed his place on the throne. Wakanda is ours once again!"
A monumental weight was lifted from Y/N's shoulders. She sighed in relief, knowing she was no longer in danger, knowing Bucky was no longer in danger.
"That's incredible. I'm so glad everything's okay, and I'm so glad to see you."
"I'm glad to see you too, my partner," Shuri hugged her once more before addressing Bucky. "Sergeant Barnes. I'm sorry for all the trouble. I hope everything was alright?"
"We've been getting along just fine," he nodded. "Thank you."
Shuri called over the two other men - royal guards that came with her - before turning back to Y/N and Bucky.
"You've been camped out here in hiding long enough. Let us go home."
As they walked behind the Wakandan princess, Y/N nudged Bucky with her elbow.
"It's hovercraft time, Bucky Barnes," she managed to say through a face numbing smile.
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delicate taglist: @bakugouswh0r3 @thefridgeismybestie @strivingforelegance
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ripspaghet · 4 years
Text
bff | 06
↳ series m.list | 00 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | ongoing
→ pairing: yoongi x reader
→ word count: 5,860
Prologue Summary; Your best friend's boyfriend takes an unhealthy interest in you and just as he shows up something from your past starts to creep up on you again. Could this strange and mysterious man have something to do with it? And should you trust him, or your instincts to run far, far away from him?
→ warnings: angst, swearing, cheating, self hate, trauma
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Gone. Gone again. Anytime he feels he's gotten closer to unearthing the melody it slips from his fingertips, like water. It would all be so much easier if he didn't have this desire, this want. Every time it's silent he feels there's this void, something gaping within him, and life begins to feel dismal - yet, he still finds himself here, in this dark and desolate place that doesn't belong to him. A single red light aluminates in the darkness and he's left with no choice but to approach, shatter the glass, and enter. It isn't until screeching alarms pull in attention that he truly realizes that this place is not his own. Invaded. Breached. Ransacked. He's an unwelcome guest - although, these simple facts don't stop him. They pull him in, glass crunching beneath his shoes as he takes a seat. Fear and adrenaline suffocate the darkness looming around him, screaming that he is not wanted. He just needs to remember it. His fingers run along with the ivory keys, the smooth melody of the first five notes flowing into each other, only for an eerie pause of silence to follow. He lets his fingers slip from the keys. It's useless.
A soft echo of notes makes his eyes open.
He turns, looking for where the tune originated - but there's nothing, no one as far as the eye can see in this dense cloud of darkness. Nothing but the alarm filters through.
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It's been exactly a day since it happened. The way your nerves are making your heart quake has, if nothing else, increased with time. You've been utterly restless - pacing around your dorm, spacing out while staring at the chipped paint of your white walls, and picking at hangnails excessively. You know you're going to have to face this. Otherwise, the rug will be pulled out from under you when you least expect it. It's safe to say you'd rather be the one pulling the rug, then be the one standing on it, waiting anxiously for your inevitable downfall.
You knock on the door about five times before it finally opens, making way to the threshold beyond it and a pair of pleasantly surprised eyes. Her gaze makes your stomach drop, so you opt for studying the interior details of her apartment. It's spacious and open, natural light pouring in from just about every nook and cranny. It suits her, she's never been one for reciting in the dark - despite her, more often than not, glaring gaze.
"____," She opens the door wider, "I didn't know you were coming, I would've made food if you called. Come in." You oblige, taking off your coat as you enter the apartment, the smell of scented candles, and floral encasing you in a spring time-capsule. You hang your coat on the rack next to the door. "It's been so stressful since the new semester started, we've barely had any time to hang out." You follow her into the kitchen after removing your shoes. "Work has been crazy too, you remember that kid that kept coming in and ripping the flowers off their stems?" She circles the center bar, making her way to the fridge and pulling out a pitcher of what you presume to be tea as she pours it into a glass, "Well, the manager refuses to ban him. He blames me for allowing the kid to destroy our merchandise." She slides the glass to you, "You prefer it cold, right?" She sighs, "That manager, such a prick. I'm really considering quitting if this keeps up." Remaining silent you watch as she fiddles with her own glass as she rambles, "I didn't mean to neglect our friendship or anything. It's just between all this and...Yoongi," Your stomach drops and your ears go fuzzy. You don't hear much of what she says, swearing you're about to barf up the chicken you'd had for lunch not all that long ago. Her voice lowers as if she's afraid someone might be listening in, "He's being so strange, showed up h-"
"Mina, I need to talk to you about something." You don't dare meet her eyes, you keep them downcast on the dewdrops of condensation rising on the glass of your untouched drink. She falls silent, the air around you becoming heavy. With a sigh, you take a seat at the bar but still neglect to touch the tea in front of you. Mina moves to take the seat next to you, still silent, observing your exhausted expression. "Listen, about Yoongi - I don't really know how to say this, so, I'll just say it. He k-"
You're startled into a flinch as fumbling footsteps followed by a loud crash of glass and fuck knows what else, cuts you off. As you turn your head, a lanky body stumbles out of the hallway into the kitchen, their back to you and Mina as a harsh swear makes your breath hitch. Dirt and glass is now spread out across the marble floor in a messy display and Mina moves quickly while you remain in your seat, watching as she rushes with worried words, "Are you okay? Did you cut yourself?" 
As if you hadn't already realized, your eyes nearly bulge out of your head, heart slamming up into your throat as his dark hair falls over his brows and shifts ever so slightly with the tilt of his head, "I'm fine, " His dark eyes never leave you as Mina scans him for injuries, "your plant, not so much."
"I'll get the broom." Mina saunters off, leaving you alone with the source of your guilty conscience - you're dripping with it, a metaphorical layer of sweat against your skin that's almost suffocating.
"____-"
"Don't."
"Got it! Yoongi, hold this for me."
His mouth is quick to clamp shut as he takes the dustpan that's shoved into his chest, his eyes darting away from you, "Yeah, sure."
Mina works quickly as always, swiping the dark potting soil up into the yellow pan that Yoongi holds steady. Nervously, you shift your gaze away from the two and pick up your tea to take a large gulp.
This is going up in flames. How are you supposed to tell her with him here? You don't want to be- No, you shouldn't be caught up in this. You should have never let it happen…
"There," Mina's voice pulls your attention back up, "I'll-"
"No, I've got it." His hand lightly brushes her wrist before he turns to dispose of the dirt. The gesture is small enough to convince you that neither of them really noticed it - just a natural loving touch, nothing unusual - though, it's enough to make you look away again.
"____? Are you alright?"
Your breath hitches and you have to force the hard expression on your face to loosen, "I'm f-fine." They are together, happy, maybe even in love. He hasn't said a word to her about any of it, yet, he wasn't alone in the act. You could've stopped him. You could've pushed him away, should've told him no. She's your best friend and you let him-
"What was it you were saying? Something about Yoon-"
"Nothing," You force a big smile, "I think I was just a bit worried about you. As you said, we haven't made time for each other lately."
"Oh, " Her lips purse, "we should make time for each other soon then."
How selfish are you? Never in your life have you thought of yourself as a horrible person. But now? Your skin is crawling with self-loathe. Every time you meet Mina's gaze your stomach drops - not because of what happened, but because of how it made you feel. The images that run rampant in your head shouldn't be there. It's all the worse that there was no lust driving your actions - there was a deep-rooted desire, an intoxicating burning beneath your skin that makes you dizzy just thinking about it. A passionate fire had dwindled to life beneath your ribcage. It should make you sick. You should be repulsed at the mere thought. "I should get going now. I don't want to intrude on your couple time. I'll see you in class."
"You don't-"
"Call or text if you need me."
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The hallway is clustered with people, bumping shoulders with you as you drag yourself along. Maybe it's best you act like it never happened, that Mina remains happy and not miserable knowing the man she is in love with kissed her best friend...and that her best friend allowed it - kissed him back even. And maybe you deserve this dreadful feeling that's swelling inside, growing larger day by lousy day.
You stop abruptly, a student behind you swearing at you for making them walk around. You don't know why you've stopped, don't know what urges you to turn your head but, never the less, you do. You blink at the letters next to the door. Shifting your weight from one foot to the other, you peek through the small door window. It's tantalizing, filling you with more anger than any remorse. You let this thing, this object, control you. Your every move and action revolves around running from it and for what?
Before you can convince yourself otherwise you're yanking the door open and marching in, heading straight for the ivory keys sat on the opposite side of the music room. How could you be afraid of something so ridiculous? It's pathetic. You plop down on the bench, eyes set to kill as your fingers naturally fall into the correct posture. And with a soft and steady exhale of air, your fingers slowly ignite, brushing along the keys with a fevered nostalgia.
'Prélude no.25 in C sharp minor, Op.45', a piece you once knew like the back of your hand. The memories of it still linger fresh in your mind, so much so that your hands could flow with the smoothness of the lilting notes even in your sleep. Your turmoil seems to whip and lash at your fingertips like a ravenous animal as the song crescendos, the tempo increasing with veracity and then it cuts through you, a sharp pain traveling up your right wrist and you yank your hands away. The room falls silent, nothing but the sounds of birds chirping outside and the wind whistling. Your eyes sting with unshed tears and you can't help but slam your foot into the floor out of frustration.
"____?"
Your breath catches in your throat, fear falling in the pit of your stomach as you turn your head.
"What are you doing in here?"
The sight of Jimin's blonde hair and worried eyes only calms you a little. You'd worried that maybe someone else had found you here, but it being him wasn't exactly any better. "I just-" You turn to look back down at the piano, your brows knit together, "I don't know."
"Come on," Jimin is quick to make his way over to you, yet you don't turn back to face him - even when he wraps his hand around your wrist and gently pulls it up to inspect, "you shouldn't do this to yourself." You turn slowly, reluctant to face anyone at such a vulnerable moment, but you manage to frown at him as the pad of his thumb traces soothing patterns into your skin. His hair is swept neatly across his forehead, a soft smile plays on his lips that doesn't meet his eyes, "Does it still hurt?"
"It hurts every day, Jimin." You turn away, "You know that."
"You're strong ____."
You flinch, not expecting him to say that, of all things.
"After everything that's happened, I've never known you to give up. So, stop putting yourself down." He pauses, coming to sit beside you but never letting your wrist go, "I know you can't play anymore, but your talent doesn't just exist within a piano. It's a lot more than that." Still refusing to meet his gaze, you begin picking at a hangnail, "Here," He lets your hand go and you briefly glance over to see what he's doing just as he holds a small yellow sucker out to you, "it's lemon flavored."
You glance down at the thing held up to your face, "Why-"
"You like lemonade, right?" He smiles, eyes twinkling, "Hurry and take it, we have to get to class before you're late again."
You snatch the candy from him, sniffling in annoyance, "What am I? A five-year-old?"
"You don't have to be a child to enjoy the sweeter things in life."
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You abruptly plop down into your chair between Mina and Jimin, exhaling dramatically as you do. If only it'd all been a dream and you could just forget it. How many times have you thought that now? Were you in the Hundreds now? Thousands?
"Everything alright?"
Like clockwork, you sputter nervously under Mina's gaze, "Ah, yeah, just tired. Must be insomnia or something."
"Insomnia?" Jimin raises an eyebrow and tilts his head to look at you, "Do you have that?"
"Yes? No? Maybe? I'm not a doctor. Where is the professor?" Both of them turn their attention to the front of the class, seemingly not taking notice of your jumpy behavior. Though, you're sure Jimin did. He just knew when it was time to leave you be.
"Oh, that, " Mina nibbles on her bottom lip to keep herself from smiling, "Professor Lee caught some nasty bug over the weekend."
"I fail to see why that would make you smile like a little school girl that just wet herself."
She scowls at Jimin, "The professor asked a former student of his to teach the class until he returns."
What?
"Oh, wow, so Loverboy is subbing just so he can stare at your toxic face all day? I don't buy it. He must be into guys."
"Excuse me?"
You think you're about to vomit up your breakfast.
"He finds me cute and couldn't get enough."
"He absolutely does not!"
Please, for the love of all that's good in this world.
"Told me himself."
"Stop making shit up, Park!"
"As soon as you stop buzzing in my ear, you fly."
"I am not a fly! You-"
The classroom door slams and you jump in your seat, making both Jimin and Mina turn to you questioningly as you squeeze your eyes shut in denial. Slow footsteps make their way to the front of the lecture hall and the echo of them makes you cringe.
There is absolutely no way the universe hates you enough to-
"Hello, my name is Min Yoongi, a music producer and a former student of Professor Lee's. Unfortunately, the Professor is bedridden and has asked me to substitute for the time being, let's get along well."
Never mind, the universe doesn't hate you - it loathes you. You'd think that after everything you'd have no trouble avoiding him. Hell, you thought that he'd do the same, but you suppose Min Yoongi isn't going to be giving you any breaks anytime soon.
You let your head fall from your hands and slam into the desk beneath you with a concerningly loud thud.
"Woah, are you alright?" Jimin places a hand on your shoulder and you miserably slug away from him.
"Don't touch me."
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The class drags on like a snail and you've sat here long enough to, staring at a head of dark hair, try to hex the man it belongs to about a thousand times - give or take. You've yet to see a beehive fall from the ceiling and send him running home though.
When the bell finally does ring you're not even granted the semblance of running out yourself as Mina cuts you off, "I'm having my birthday party early this year."
"Oh, really? When is it?" You keep your head down as the two of you mosey along, closer and closer to the front of the classroom.
"Tomorrow at my place."
You nod, more focused on escape than anything else.
"It was going to be on my birthday week, but Yoongi and I made plans together for the day of my birthday. We're going to-"
"That's great Mina. I'm sure the two of you will have a great time together." You force a smile as if your life depends on it, "Say, what time is the party?"
"Oh," Mina laughs with realization as you inwardly sigh with relief at the welcomed change of subject, "it's at eight."
"Great."
Mina bounces over to the exit with excitement, "You'll be there?"
"Of course." You force another smile as you follow after her.
Almost there, almost home free.
"Great, I'll see you then."
You nod again at the threshold, watching as Mina waves back to you.
"____, I need to speak with you."
You freeze, a deadly chill rushing down your spine. "No, thanks." You wave behind you, not turning back as you continue with your escape.
"It's about your test."
You freeze again, your eye twitching at your lack of luck today, "I'm in a real rush, I can't-"
"Come here, now."
Fuck the universe, that vindictive bitch. 
Reluctantly, you turn and make your way back towards the center of the desk you had passed by with ease not all that long ago, "You failed your last test. Professor Lee informed me that you need to retake it, or you'll fail this class."
You keep your eyes directed on the wall behind him, not once sparing him a proper glance, "Okay, I'll find a tutor and-"
"There's no available tutors, because it's exam season. I told Professor Lee I'd handle this, so I'll be teaching you."
Your eyes are quick to dart to his now, "No!"
His fingers tap against the desk and they draw your attention as his eyes narrow in on you, "This has nothing to do with-" He pauses, letting out a steady breath of air and you lift your gaze back to his. Rather than being irritated or annoyed, as you expect, your surprised to find that he looks super uncomfortable, maybe even anxious, "our relationship outside of this room. And might I remind you that this test is half this semester's grade. You'll only fail again without proper help." You grit your teeth, holding back your protests. You hate to admit this, but he's right - again. "Starting next week come here after you've finished all your classes. I will be in the office grading papers. And-" He slides something across the desk to you, "your laptop, you left it."
You grab your laptop quickly before turning to leave, all the while not uttering another word to Yoongi.
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The bathroom mirror is fogged over completely - except for a small spot that you've whipped at in order to dab foundation onto your neck, thoroughly painting over the purple and yellow discoloration on your skin. You juggle with your phone in your other hand, holding it to your ear, "I just- hear me out?"
"Why should I? I don't like her, so the answer is no. End of conversation."
"Please? I don't want to go alone."
"Why not? It's not like it's going to be a fun party. Doubt there will even be alcohol."
"You-"
"Get out of here already!"
"Shit," You begin shoving your makeup back into your bag, fumbling with your phone in the process.
"Listen, I know you've been having a hard time lately but there's no way in hell I'm-"
"Fine! Don't go! It's not like I need you there or anything!" You slam the bathroom door shut behide you, sure to piss off your roommate, who is washing shampoo from her hair.
"Don't be like that, ____. You know she wouldn't even want me-" Throwing your bag over your shoulder you pull the phone away from your ear and hang up. After all the things Jimin has put you through, he can't even do you the smallest of favors. You stomp over to your dorm room door, storming out into the hallway, and down the stairs. You shove the glass door to your complex open, letting the cold wind blow tangles into your freshly brushed hair as you stride toward the Lift driver that's been waiting for you at the curb for the past thirty minutes. Under normal circumstances, you'd apologize to the driver for making them wait, but as you've established, time and time again, these are not normal circumstances. As you buckle your seat belt the driver takes off, drifting at about thirty on the speedometer.
A heavy sigh falls off your lips and you lean your head against the window as the first ticks of rain make contact with the transparent glass. Your phone buzzes in your lap and you glance down at it. You half expected it to be a text from Jimin, although the notification is from an unknown number.
Message from Unknown Number-8:32pm: Let me make up for lost time. Please, answer your phone.
You begin typing only to be cut off by another buzz.
Message from Unknown Number-8:33pm: Don't try telling me I've got the wrong number. Jimin gave it to me.
You scowl down at the small screen before abruptly turning off your phone. You curse Jimin as you shove the phone into your bag.
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"Thought you said you weren't going to come."
He fiddles with the ends of his hair, all the while avoiding your gaze, "Well, Jungkook agreed to come along so-"
"You can be a real jerk sometimes, you know that?"
Sighing, Jimin leans against his younger friend, but Jungkook's attention seems to lie elsewhere as he completely ignores the two of you, "You know how I feel about Mina."
"Yeah," You turn to see what's got Jungkook so preoccupied, "and you know how I feel about parties." Across the room you spot Mina and Yoongi. The two are conversing rather aggressively and you inhale sharply, barely managing to remind yourself that it's normal for Mina to blow things out of proportion and it's probably nothing. You don't need to worry. You force your attention back to Jimin.
"I have no idea how you feel about anything nowadays. You're-"
"I swear I'm never doing anything for that she-devil again."
You turn to see a rather annoyed Seokjin now standing behind Jungkook, with a large birthday cake in hand. 
Raising an eyebrow, you tilt your head, "What are you doing here?"
He looks away from Jungkook, who is now laughing at his elder's misfortune, "I was conned."
"Ah," You nod and point at the cake, "she made you bake that?"
Jimin shakes his head, "What a shame you let her walk all over you."
"Yeah," Seokjin rolls his eyes before glaring over in Mina's direction, "it's too quiet in here. I'm going to start some music."
You watch Seokjin make his way over to a speaker and then leave for the kitchen. The smell of birthday cake tickles your nose now as the sound of soft pop music lulls the small crowd of people in the apartment space.
"God, this is boring."
"Beyond boring."
Those two seem to be unable to keep their moping to themselves since you arrived, although you haven't paid them all that much attention. You're more concerned with how you're going to avoid eating cake later on. You hate overly sweet things with a passion and Mina's cake is sure to taste like a sugar rush.
"We should liven it up a bit."
"Sounds like a plan to me."
"How about it ____?" You drag your gaze away from a frowning Mina to glance over at Jimin, who's holding a plate full of crumbs that were previously covered in chips. Jungkook stands next to him, bordly munching on some handmade snack you couldn't remember the name of. The two of them refused to stay anywhere that wasn't right beside the snack table. You guessed since there wasn't any alcohol, they were making do with what's available.
"Can you two behave until the candles are blown out? I don't wanna hear Mina yelling until I've already told her my excuse to leave."
Jungkook nods, "Understandable,"
"I suppose I'll wait."
You just want to go home and get some more sleep, you couldn't care less what these two goons had up their sleeves. Yes, you want Mina to have a good birthday, but you can only maintain your act for so long while around her. Faking isn't your strong suit.
"Oh, God,"
"Wha-Oh,"
You glance back over at the two of them to see that they're staring across the room. Jimin is frowning, while Jungkook looks as if his whole life is flashing before his eyes. You turn to see what it is, only to find yourself wishing you never did.
"____! There you are! You sly fox, you. I've been looking for you everywhere."
Your stomach drops, "Who told him?"
Jimin scowls as his friend makes his way over to you, "It definitely wasn't me."
"Sorry, ____. He promised me he wouldn't come if I told him." Jungkook scoots away from you out of fear of your wrath.
The guy approaching you is quick to move to your side, placing an arm around your waist. You're sure to send Jungkook the deadliest of glares that has him cowering behind a now, rather aggravated Jimin.
"Tae, what are you doing here?" You almost choke as you force a smile onto your face.
He pulls you closer to him, a smirk playing on his lips, "I heard from a little birdy that you'd be here." 
As a strong urge to knee Jungkook in the crouch starts to settle in, you grit your teeth, forcing yourself to bear it and not cause a scene.
"Yah, Taehyung, who do you think you are, clinging to my best friend like that?" Jimin's brows have shot up in question as he stares Taehyung down with accusing eyes.
His arm doesn't leave you, though you can feel him stiffen under Jimin's intimidating gaze, "I-"
"If you want your dick sucked find some other girl to do it."
Taehyung frowns, "Jimin, I'm not-"
"Taehyung, " You pat his shoulder, gaining the attention of all three boys' in the process, "how about you go get me a drink from the kitchen?"
He looks back and forth between you and Jimin, slightly suspicious before nodding, and heading off.
Jimin scoffs, "The nerve of him."
"I'm going to get some fresh air. Tell him I went to the restroom or something. Also, try to keep from fighting. Like I said earlier-"
"Yeah, yeah, you don't want to ruin Mina's birthday party. Blah, blah, blah."
"Jimin," You glare, "I'm serious."
"Alright, " He groans, rolling his eyes, "I'll stop. Just go before that horny baboon gets back and tries humping your leg."
You roll your eyes but nod never the less. Jungkook whispers another sorry to you as you walk past them towards the apartment door. You only wave him off, not caring enough to bother with his inability to keep a secret. You're too tired and honestly just wish you could go home. You mean, you could go home with the excuse of, "I started feeling sick." Which wouldn't be a complete lie - thanks to Taehyung. You know Mina wouldn't fall for it though.
Luckily, her apartment is on the bottom floor and it doesn't take you long to make your way outside. The warmth from the building's heater almost seems to melt off your skin in the chilled air. It's only around dinner time, but you suspect the sun has begun to set behind the rain clouds, due to the darkness that has started settling over the city. Your steps are small as you watch your breath puff out into a cold cloud passed your chapped lips. Fiddling with the sucker that still rests in your pocket, you shut your eyes and listen to the downpour that assaults the sidewalk. You hadn't planned on being so weak, so vulnerable. After all these years you'd hoped that maybe you would've grown stronger by now - but you feel weaker than ever.
An exaggerated sigh startles you and your eyes snap open. 
His back is to you as rain showers down onto the awning above, black shoes resting in a puddle on the curb of the street as he stares at cars zipping by. You've never noticed before, but the rainy weather compliments his skin. You find your eyes lingering on the pads of his fingers and the blue veins below red knuckles - a perfect contrast of colors. Really, you know better than to approach him. You know better than to go anywhere near him - but, knowing better doesn't stop you from making your way over to him with a misplaced sense of determination as he reaches into his pocket, nor does it keep you from plopping down next to him as he places the retrieved object between his velvety lips.
He pauses his actions to glance over at you curiously. You frown at him before reaching up and plucking the purple lighter from his left hand, "What are you-"
You shove the lighter into your pocket, exchanging it with your sucker. You know you'll never eat it, might as well put it to good use. You hold it out to him, "You should replace bad habits with healthy habits."
He turns away with a scoff, nibbling on his lower lip - an obvious attempt to keep himself from smiling, "That isn't particularly healthy."
You glance at the sucker, "No, but it's better than what you had before." Nudging the candy into his now empty hand you purse your lips.
Reluctantly, he takes the cigarette away from his mouth and slides it back into its pack, "So, you're talking to me again?"
"No," You stare at him as his long fingers unwrap the yellow sucker and plop it into his mouth.
"Then what do you call this?"
You look away, opting to stare at the wet asphalt and listen to the constant pitter-patter of the rain, "Why were you and Mina fighting?"
Silence falls over the two of you for a moment before he sighs and rolls the stick of the sucker along his tongue, "She wants me here while I need to be elsewhere."
"It's her birthday party."
"Yeah," He snaps, eye sharpening as they flicker over to you, "I told her a month before she planned it what days I'd have work. She did this on purpose."
"Why would she-"
"Because she thinks I'm cheating on her with my coworker." The words are spat bitterly, the sound of the sucker cracking between the tension of his teeth. Your lips clamp shut and you look away from him. Why are you getting involved? You're only making things messier for yourself. "She's not all that wrong, though. I guess I deserve this."
Your head whips back over, "W-what? Are you cheating with a coworker?"
He turns to look at you, brows furrowed, "What? No, I-" He pauses then shakes his head, deciding against it and laughs, "Why are you here ____?"
You glance around, "I-Uh-Mina said I had to come and I-"
His head tips forward, dark hair falling over his lashes, "No, why are you here, with me."
"Oh," You watch the rain as it begins to slow, "I'm not sure."
"Thought you hated me."
"I should." You grit your teeth in annoyance.
"But you don't." Rather than it being a question, it's more of a statement, as if he already knows exactly how you feel.
You don't say a word, you just blink over at his side profile, heart thudding against your ribcage.
He sighs, turning to look at you, "You and I, I know it isn't good. I know I should stay away from you and you do the same to me...but," His dark eyes trace your features, as if trying to memorize them, "I don't think-"
"Jimin! You asshole! Get out! You were never invited for this exact reason!" 
You both turn to see Jimin stumbling out of the apartment complex, Mina hot on his heels, "It's not my fault your party was boring!"
Shit.
"Shut up!" She lands a solid slap that echoes off the back of Jimin's neck and through the rainy streets.
"Fuck! Jungkook! Do something she's touched me! I'm infected!"
Jungkook isn't far behind the pair, seeing as a second later he's the next person to rush out onto the sidewalk. Mina shoves Jimin's chest and he barks with laughter as he stumbles back, "Are you a child?!"
"Sure, if that's what you want me to be."
"Jimin, come on, stop. ____ said to-"
"____ said what?! Is she the one who brought you?!"
Shit.
"What? No, I-"
Next to burst through the door is Taehyung, who is quick to step in between Mina and Jimin, "Really sorry about all this Mina. I'll escort Jimin home."
"You?!" Jimin laughs dryly, "Why? So you can have another go at ____?"
Taehyung's brows crease as he opens his mouth to speak, but when he glances over to see you sitting on the curb he shifts gears, "____! There you are!"
Fuck.
All of their heads turn to you, Jimin raising an eyebrow, Jungkook looking confused, and Mina narrowing her eyes at you as she assesses the fact that her boyfriend is sitting next to you.
"The fuck are you doing out here?" You can tell that her question is directed at Yoongi, only by the small shift of her eyes. Yoongi simply shakes his head and turns away to watch the cars again. 
Somewhere in all the commotion, Taehyung had made his way over to you, seeing as when he plops down next to you and snakes an arm around your waist you flinch, "Is this where you've been hiding?"
"For the love of God, Taehyung, if you don't-"
Jimin is cut off when Yoongi stands up, pulling you with him by the wrist, and glaring at Taehyung in such a way that he freezes on the curb - hands kept to himself. You fidget at the feeling of Yoongi's cold fingers wrapped around your wrist, holding your breath.  The group turns dead silent before you eventually pull away from Yoongi, taking your wrist back, "Taehyung, please take Jimin home."
"What?!" Jimin squawks at you, "You said you needed me-"
"And I should've just asked Jungkook instead." You're quick to cut Jimin off, glaring at him as if he'd just stepped on your toe.
"I can't believe this. I literally-"
"Aw, poor Park. First time getting dumped on a sidewalk?"
"Shut up!" The snarl takes all of you by surprise, even Mina takes a step back, mouth clamping shut.
"Jimin,"
Jimin's eyes shift back to you, flickering over to Taehyung, then Yoongi before settling back on you, "Are you going to tell me what's going on with you?"
"What's going on with me?" You scoff, "You're joking, right?"
"Well, other than the usual shit show you have going on." His words are harsh and they catch all of you off guard for a second time. Jimin tends to be blunt when he needs to be, yes, but never harsh, "I'm fed up, ____. You won't talk to me. You're just bottling it all up. You can't expect anything the change if you-"
"You're the one who gave Hoseok my number!"
.
.
.
a/n: sorry it took me so long to post and that this is kinda filler🙇‍♀️ but it's the start of some character development and the conflict is raising so it's about get crazy real soon👀😳
@team-work-made-the-dream-work @seokchella @crackhead1-800 @chogiyeol-utopia @thatchampagnebitch @jeonchan26  @loveyoongles @ghoularaki @team-wang-puppy
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Resident Evil 8: Village review (spoilers everywhere!)
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Now, I want to start off by saying I've never been very interested in the "Resident Evil" games. I've always preferred the "Silent Hill" series because of how macabre the games are, the creepy symbolism behind the monsters, and the intense moments of fear despite having weapons (well, in most of the games at least). I like dark, twisted stuff, and "Resident Evil" seemed too...action-oriented for me, I guess?
However, I did finally get involved when I saw the trailer for "Resident Evil 7: Biohazard." I was shocked, but pleasantly so. Not only did it feature new characters, new locations, and a new disease, but it was in first person AND looked like a true survival horror game. I know some people may prefer the third-person perspective for RE games as that has always been one of their key characteristics, but I think horror games are much more effective in first person. They're more immersive because they give you the illusion of being in the game itself.
I really loved RE7, and still do. I actually have begun playing it again, the first time in a few years (I think 2019 was the last time I played through the game). I still see it as my favorite RE games and one of my favorite survival horror games, but I have enjoyed the "Resident Evil 2" and "Resident Evil 3" remakes and may play other games in the franchise just because.
Now, onto "Resident Evil 8: Village," a direct sequel to 7 (lol 8 does come after 7 but I mean that 8 is a continuation of the story introduced in 7. I mean, RE7 was not a sequel to RE6 at all). I was excited to see the franchise continuing with what it started in RE7, and while I did enjoy RE8, it does have some issues...nothing serious but things that prevent it from replacing RE7 as my favorite.
The Good:
There Four Lords and Mother Miranda were truly unique characters despite being bosses. I felt pity for all of them in one way or another and enjoyed learning their backstories. I think they are the most interesting and "human" villains in the RE games so far (at least, from what I've seen), and in games in general.
I felt so much pity for Moreau, though. He was such a tragic character, and I felt like I was putting him out of his misery by killing him. Clearly, there was something wrong with him mentally like his mental growth had been stunted and he thought and acted more like a child. His primary goals were to win the praise of the other three Lords since they didn't like him (I think Donna may have been ok with him but her mental health issues prevented her from expressing her feelings in a more effective and healthy manner) and to have Mother Miranda see him as her son. All these emotions over one character, a boss enemy, and possibly the least complex of the Lords and Miranda herself, I think demonstrate some fantastic writing. I mean, I've very rarely encountered bosses that I felt sorry for, and killing them was mercy.
Donna was a very strange character. She was the only one of the bosses who didn't transform into a monstrosity, and her boss fight was vastly different from anything else in the game. I liked it, though, for the most part, this sort of "calm" within a storm of deadly monsters and bloody battles. Of all the Lords and Mother Miranda herself, Donna was almost just there, like she was observing instead of actually participating. She respected Mother Miranda but, unlike the other three Lords, she seemed to prefer to live in her own little fantasy world with her dolls as her family and friends.
The graphics were, as expected, incredible. If you have a computer that can handle the game with high/max settings, it will look absolutely stunning. Also, the soundtrack was very fitting, but I don't have much concern for this trait unless the soundtrack is truly exceptional, which is rare -- or if the soundtrack is awful, which I have yet to encounter in a game.
I enjoyed the change in environment from RE7. I liked the creepy house in the woods and "ghost ship" in RE7, but RE8 had us in underground tunnels, a rundown village, a castle, a factory, a swamp town...I mean, you went all over the place, but it made the experience diverse and entertaining.
RE8 gave us a lot of answers to questions left by RE7, and, in some ways, enhanced that game's story. Finding out the truth behind Ethan's seemingly indestructible body was a twist I didn't expect. It did provide an answer for just how easy it was for him to literally patch himself up and put himself back together over and over again. It was no longer just "game logic."
Ending Ethan's story made sense. It was clear by the end of RE8 that his character had gone as far as possible, and it was time to switch gears. I'm curious as to how the next game will utilize Rose as a protagonist. She has powerful psychic abilities, unlike her father, and I don't think any other RE protagonist has had such abilities (as far as I know), so that could make for a very interesting gaming experience.
With that being said, I really do hope RE9 continues what was started in RE7 and developed further in RE8. I really do. I think there are plenty of things left to explore, plenty of room for some good twists and turns.
There weren't many puzzles in this game, but I didn't think it was such a bad thing. It was still a lot of fun to play with a reasonable amount of action-oriented challenges. There were so many bosses in this game, minibosses included, yet it never felt overwhelming or underwhelming. I thought the minibosses were fantastic "bridges" to each of the 5 main boss fights.
MAGNUM IS BEST WEAPON. Seriously, what is it with these types of guns and their insane amount of power? I liked the grenade launcher as well, despite how slow it was to reload. The use of flashbangs proved to be much more useful than the grenades themselves, oddly enough. I know they have been in other RE games, but they were much more essential in RE8.
The pacing was perfect. I felt like the game was the appropriate length, not overstaying its welcome nor leaving players underwhelmed by lack of content. I mean, I still wish it were longer but that's only because of how entertaining it is to play. Leaving players wanting more but in a positive sense indicates that the game was planned thoroughly with a lot of attention to detail.
Miranda's and Moreau'sboss fights were the most challenging in the game. Both were endurance battles and required you to move quickly and think fast and basically just survive until they died. Ammo was very important in both boss fights because the right weapons made things much easier but if you didn't have enough ammo for them, well...you're going to have a more intense challenge.
My favorite "location" was the Dimitrescu castle. I like the elegant "antique" aesthetic of old castles and houses/mansions.
Unlike in RE7, RE8 does allow you to upgrade some of your weapons, which makes things easier if just to allow your guns to hold more ammo before needing to reload. You also didn't need to pull out a weapon to open crates. If you "interacted" with one, Ethan automatically used his knife to break it. RE7 made you do it manually which was a little annoying, especially during fights.
RE7 pretty much just had the Bakers and mold monsters as enemies. They all put up a good fight, but RE8 has a much wider range of enemies: wolfmen, zombies, flying zombie bats, werewolves, cyborg monstrosities, witches (well, if you consider the Dimitrescu daughters as witches, and they kind of are), a gross but pitiful fishman, a mentally disturbed doll maker, and an egocentric engineer. Variety added another layer of difficulty and surprise to the game since it wasn't always the same enemy types popping up to get you.
Mixed Thoughts:
Donna's boss fight was unlike any other fight in the game -- or any game, really. It was a morbid hide and seek challenge that was a nice change of pace but I do wish it had been a bit more difficult. I liked the concept, and it suited Donna, but it was the easiest boss fight in the game, almost like it was a miniboss fight instead. Good concept, but weak execution.
RE8 allows you to upgrade weapons, but RE7 doesn't, and while it may sound like RE8 has the upper hand, I disagree. RE7's lack of weapon enhancements/upgrades made the game more difficult because what you saw was what you got, and you had to make do. You didn't have the option to make your weapons hold more ammo or shoot faster or deal more damage.
The Bad:
Most of the boss fights were...rather easy? Minibosses included. The only ones that posed a real threat were Moreau and Miranda. Everyone else was just standard boss fodder, unfortunately. In RE7, I felt that, while there were far fewer boss fights, they all were much more demanding and exciting.
Lady Dimitrescu was such a fun character, and yet, she was only in the game for a short time, and her boss fight was just so-so. With all the marketing surrounding her before the game was released, I expected her to have a much larger role in the game.
They had an opportunity to make Miranda a sympathetic villain seeing as how the loss of her daughter basically drove her to madness. However, the way she was portrayed, I honestly didn't feel any sympathy for her, which was a shame. If she had been portrayed as a more tragic, broken character, then it would have made the final boss fight very emotional since you would feel some guilt killing her knowing what she's been through.
Not very scary. I mean, it's not a terrible thing, but for a game that is part of the survival horror genre, I felt like RE8 focused on the action a little too often. It was an intense experience just not a chilling one. RE7 had so much tension and atmosphere that it truly played out like a survival horror game.
Overall, I do like "Resident Evil 8: Village" and want to play it several more times. It bested "Resident Evil 7: Biohazard" in a few ways, namely with a diversity of enemies and customizable weapons but it fell short in the horror department and mishandled most of its bosses.
Final Grade: B+
For reference:
Resident Evil 7: A
Resident Evil 2 (2019 Remake): A-
Resident Evil 3 (2020 Remake): B-
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