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#love that feeling of deep and profound futility
svn-bangtan · 9 months
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Soulmates
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»pairing: Yoongi x reader
»genre: BTS | 13+ | Fluff
»wc/date: 4.5k | June 2023
» warnings: Just some fluff 
»Summary: Everyone had a soulmate and many find theirs much faster than others. Throughout her years being alive, Y/n is slowly beginning to lose hope in finding her soulmate. After becoming a successful artist and meeting a new client and a stranger at a cafe, things change very quickly. 
» notes: THIS ONE-SHOT WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED ON MY OLD ACCOUNT @loomdiamonds​ 
»  m.list | Taglist | Thoughts? Comments? Concerns
Soulmates. The notion of being destined to be with someone, a connection meant to last a lifetime. It's a captivating concept that defies comprehension.
In this extraordinary world, every person bears a unique tattoo on their wrist. It consists of their soulmate's first and middle initials, followed by their last name. For instance, if Y/n's soulmate's name is Tong Sochun, her tattoo would read Tong S.
Discovering one's true soulmate occurs through physical contact, such as a high five. When this happens, the wrist tattoo vanishes, replaced by a new one encircling the ring finger, bearing the partner's full name. From that moment forward, they both embark on a blissful journey together.
Simple, right? Well, not quite.
Y/n's tattoo reads Min Y., a constant reminder since her earliest memories of yearning to meet him or her. However, as the years pass, hope gradually slips away.
Recently, she relocated to Seoul, seeking better prospects in this vibrant metropolis. Unfortunately, after spending considerable time here, it feels like an exercise in futility.
Today, she finds solace in a cozy cafe, engrossed in a new book, relishing her well-deserved day off. These are the moments she eagerly anticipates—a chance to escape reality, stepping out of her apartment and immersing herself in simple pleasures that help momentarily forget about soulmates and the complexities of daily life.
A deep sigh escapes Y/n as she briefly diverts her attention from the book, gazing outside at the enchanting view of Seoul. She offers a faint smile, hugging her coffee mug a little closer. For an instant, she glances down at her wrist, tracing the delicate script that has adorned it since infancy.
Despite her waning hope of finding her soulmate, Y/n yearns to experience the same happiness her parents share—a love so profound, nurtured from childhood, and fortified by a single hug in first grade.
It's every girl's dream—to witness her mom and dad, who never had to embark on wild adventures to find their destined partner.
Setting her cup down, Y/n sweeps her hair away from her face, observing as the first snowflakes begin their gentle descent from the sky. Her gaze drifts downward, lost in contemplation.
Out there, somewhere, Y/n's soulmate patiently awaits. Perhaps they ponder the same questions that haunt her. Uncertainty and countless inquiries swirl within them, chief among them being the fear of rejection.
Rejection is a cruel blow, one that cuts deeply. It ranks among the worst acts one can inflict on another, second only to criminal behavior. When you experience outright rejection, your tattoos vanish, and you become destined to never find love again. Even if you were to try, happiness would forever elude you. It's challenging to articulate fully but rest assured, it's a devastating fate to endure.
What if Y/n's soulmate has passed away, unbeknownst to her? The same fate awaits.
Love becomes an elusive concept, eternal happiness forever out of reach. If she never gets the chance to be with her soulmate, life becomes an unrelenting misery. It's an unfortunate reality, one that plagues the minds of all who ponder the enigma of soulmates.
This notion has even crossed Y/n's mind. At twenty-eight, while all her friends have found their soulmates, she has begun to wonder if her day will ever come. Perhaps her destined partner is no longer among the living. Yet, her wrist bears the undeniable mark—a reminder that they still exist, waiting to be discovered.
"What is a lovely lady like yourself doing all alone up here?" a male voice suddenly interrupts, causing Y/n to jump slightly.
She turns her head and finds a tall man with shaggy brown hair, his warm smile directed at her. Returning the smile, she shrugs her shoulders and raises her book. "Just reading, cherishing the simple things."
Nodding, he gestures toward the empty seat in front of her, silently seeking permission to join her. Y/n agrees, and as he settles across from her, her eyes are drawn to his hand. She notices a name etched around his ring finger, and a quiet sigh escapes her. 'Of course, someone as good-looking as him has already found his soulmate,' she muses inwardly.
"You'll find them one day," he remarks suddenly, causing Y/n's eyes to widen in surprise. 'Did I say it out loud?'
Chuckling, he holds up his hand, his gaze fixed on her bewildered expression. "You were staring, so I assumed you were questioning yourself." Y/n offers a faint smile as she turns her gaze back to the window, where the falling snow gradually blankets the ground.
"It's astonishing to think that somewhere out there, my soulmate awaits me," she muses, looking down at her tattoo with a tender smile. "I admit, meeting them is a truly magical experience." She takes a deep breath and glances at the man, finding him already gazing at her with a smile.
"Hopefully, that day comes soon," she confesses, her fingers gently tracing the tattoo. "This waiting game has become unbearable."
The man chuckles in response to her words, understanding etched on his face as he takes a sip of his coffee. Once again, they sit in silence, finding comfort in each other's presence until Y/n breaks the quietude.
"I apologize for my rudeness. I'm Chun Y/n," she introduces herself.
"Chun?" he says, his expression a mix of confusion and surprise. Y/n nods, offering a sweet smile. "Yes, I'm not originally from Seoul. I moved here from Namyang-dong."
He nods, his grin widening. "Well, my name is Hoseok, and I might just know your soulmate," he declares, standing up and leaving Y/n perplexed.
"Wait, what?"
"Chun is a rare last name, right? I don't think I've ever come across anyone with that surname," he explains, prompting Y/n to slowly nod. "Yes, it's more common in Japan, if I'm not mistaken."
Gently taking hold of her hand, Hoseok gazes down at her tattoo, humming in contemplation. "Well, a good friend of mine, who recently returned to back to Seoul, bears your last name and initial on his wrist. He hasn't met his soulmate yet. It's possible that the two of you are destined for each other."
"But I'm confused," Y/n interjects, withdrawing her hand. "Is that why you approached me? Do you do this with many women?"
Hoseok bursts into hearty laughter, a sound that oddly resembles a windshield wiper, shaking his head. "No, I mistook you for my fiancée by accident. You two have a striking resemblance, and when I noticed your mark, I thought I'd explore the possibility."
"Oh, I see..." Y/n says, leaning back in her seat. "So, what now? If I choose to entertain this possibility, how will I meet your friend?"
Hoseok smirks, reclining in his chair and taking another sip of his coffee. "Leave that to me Chun Y/n."
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Sometimes, Y/n finds herself plagued by a persistent thought that whispers she may never cross paths with her soulmate. It's as if the universe has singled her out, marking her as one of the unlucky ones destined to live without that profound connection. This notion lingers, casting a shadow of doubt and loneliness over her heart.
Yet, despite occasional glimmers of hope ignited by her encounter at the café, Y/n has learned to temper her expectations. She has grown accustomed to guarding her heart, shielding herself from the potential pain of disappointment.
In this particular moment, Y/n is immersed in her art studio at work, fully absorbed in a new piece taking shape on her canvas.
Suddenly, a gentle knock at the door interrupts her concentration, drawing her attention towards the entrance. Her face lights up with a smile as she sees her boss, Kim Namjoon, stepping into the room, accompanied by an incredibly striking man.
Rising gracefully from her seat, Y/n warmly greets them both, and Namjoon turns towards his companion, ready to make the introductions.
"Y/n, this is Yoongi, my best friend and a producer," Namjoon announces, his voice tinged with pride. "Yoongi, meet Y/n, one of my incredibly talented artists. She's the one who painted that remarkable piece you showed interest in a few months ago."
A delicate blush colors Y/n's cheeks as she gazes at the man introduced as Yoongi. His presence commands attention, and the timbre of his deep voice momentarily catches her off guard. "Thank you," she responds graciously, her voice gentle and composed. "I truly appreciate your kind words, sir."
Yoongi, his eyes seemingly locked on Y/n, offers her a warm smile. "Please, call me Yoongi. I'm intrigued by the story behind that captivating painting," he says, his curiosity evident as he takes a leisurely stroll around her studio, Namjoon following closely behind. Together, they admire the artwork adorning the walls, until their attention is drawn to a copy of the painting that had caught their eye.
With a steadying breath, Y/n prepares to share the tale behind her creation. As she points to the two figures portrayed in the painting, she feels Yoongi's unwavering gaze upon her. She strives to maintain her professional composure, even as her heart flutters with anticipation. Her words flow with passion and depth, painting a vivid picture with her storytelling.
"Beautiful," Yoongi remarks, causing Y/n to momentarily lose herself in his gaze. A deeper shade of pink graces her cheeks, and Namjoon interjects, unwittingly shattering the enchantment.
"Speaking of soulmates, Yoongi here wanted to commission a piece for his own," Namjoon shares, unknowingly pricking at Y/n's delicate hopes. Swiftly, she masks any trace of disappointment and offers a genuine smile. "It would be my pleasure to create a piece for you, Yoongi."
"Hey, Y/n," Namjoon says with a warm smile. "I need to take a quick call. I'll be right back." Without waiting for a response, he exits the room, leaving Y/n alone in the studio.
Just as their connection seems to deepen, a stack of papers held precariously in Yoongi's hands begins to waver, threatening to tumble to the floor. In an instant, a gust of wind rushes through the studio from Namjoon leaving briefly, scattering the papers in all directions.
Reacting with swift reflexes, both Y/n and Yoongi instinctively reach out to catch the fleeing sheets, their hand's mere inches away from touching. Their eyes meet briefly, a fleeting spark of electric anticipation passing between them, hinting at the profound connection that almost transpired.
Yet, their near-touch is abruptly interrupted as Namjoon bursts into the studio, his voice filled with urgency. "Yoongi, we have to go. It's already 3, and we'll be late for our meeting with Jin." Namjoon swiftly exits the studio, with Yoongi following in his wake. However, before he leaves, Yoongi turns back to offer Y/n one final smile. "I look forward to working with you, Y/n."
Returning the smile, Y/n bows respectfully. "Likewise," she replies softly as Yoongi walks away, leaving her once again in the solitude of her studio. A sigh escapes her lips as she settles back into her seat, her gaze fixed upon the canvas before her. "Every time, Y/n," she whispers to herself, a tinge of frustration evident in her voice.
Shaking off her thoughts, Y/n firmly grasps her paintbrush, determined to pour her emotions onto the canvas once more. Stroke by stroke, she channels her hopes and dreams, infusing her art with passion, knowing that one day, amidst the uncertainty that lingers, her soulmate might just find her.
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"I'm curious, what prompted your call today?" Y/n asked, taking a sip of her coffee. She heard Hoseok chuckle on the other end of the line as she finished tidying up her workstation and made her way toward the bedroom in her studio.
"Your soulmate, of course," Hoseok replied, causing Y/n to roll her eyes. It had been about three days since they had met at the café, and ever since, Hoseok had been eager to introduce his friend to Y/n to determine if they were potential soulmates.
Unfortunately, due to their busy schedules and Y/n's dedication to her artwork, they hadn't been able to meet yet. Despite Hoseok having a soulmate, Y/n couldn't shake Mr. Yoongi from her thoughts. She knew it was wrong since they could never be together, but she couldn't help but think about him.
"I don't know, Hoseok," Y/n said as she sat on the bed in the bedroom. Mr. Kim, the building owner, had kindly agreed to remodel her studio into an apartment-like space, complete with a sleeping area. Y/n was grateful for this arrangement since she practically lived in her studio more than her actual home.
"Why not, Y/n? He's available tonight, and so are you. It's perfect," Hoseok persisted, causing Y/n to roll her eyes and glance out the window at the weather. "I'm still at work, and even if I go, I probably won't have time to go home and freshen up. Besides, have you seen the weather outside?"
"You're impossible, Chun Y/n, you know that?" Hoseok teased, eliciting a laugh from Y/n. After some time on the phone and a bit of convincing, she eventually agreed to finally meet Hoseok's friend that night. Once she hung up, she lay back on the bed and stared at the ceiling, contemplating the upcoming meeting.
'Try not to get your hopes up, Y/n. There's a strong possibility it's just a coincidence,' she thought to herself. As she lay there, a knock on her studio door interrupted her thoughts. She got up and opened the door, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the man in front of her.
"Mr. Yoongi?"
"Hello, I just came to talk to you briefly about the painting. May I come in?" he asked politely. Y/n nodded, opening the door wider for him to enter. She took note of his well-fitted suit and noticed that his hair was now styled in waves instead of being pushed back.
Closing the door behind him, Mr. Yoongi stood in the middle of the room with his hands in his pockets. "So, have you thought of any ideas for your painting for them?"
He paused for a moment, turning to look at Y/n. "Well, I'd love to hear your ideas. I've made a list of possibilities, but I'm not entirely sure."
"I'd love to help you in any way I can. Let's start by discussing how you would describe your soulmate," Y/n said, walking over to her desk to grab her notepad. She heard him sigh as he took a seat on a random chair, capturing Y/n's attention.
"I haven't met them just yet," he said quietly, his words drawing Y/n's full attention. "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that."
"It's alright, really," Mr. Yoongi replied, looking up at Y/n with a slight smile before leaning back in the chair. "After I saw your artwork—forgive me if this sounds creepy—but I couldn't help but look more and more at all of your pieces. Since starting my career as a producer, I feel like I've lost touch with people, and I stopped actively searching."
Y/n nodded, immediately understanding his sentiment as it resonated with her own feelings. As much as she wanted to meet her soulmate, with each passing day, her hope dwindled, fearing that perhaps they didn't want to be found.
"When I saw your artwork, it instantly made me feel alive again. It made me see the brighter side of things and gave me the courage to give the search another try after all these years," he continued, locking eyes with Y/n.
Unbeknownst to her, her heart began to beat faster. "Thanks to you, I found hope again. With this painting, I want to convey that even during my period of giving up, not a day went by that I didn't think about them. And who better to paint it than the person who restored my hope?"
Y/n smiled warmly, feeling honored by his words. She jotted down some notes in her notebook. "Well, just know that I am truly honored to undertake this for you. Your soulmate is already so fortunate to have you."
They engaged in a conversation, discussing various ideas for the painting until Mr. Yoongi's phone suddenly rang. He apologized and checked the caller ID. "I'm sorry, but I have to meet up with a friend right now."
"That's alright. Let's call it a night," Y/n said, setting her notebook aside as they both stood up. She walked him to the door, and as he was about to leave, his eyes caught sight of a flyer hanging nearby. "You're having a showcase?"
"Yes, it's the day after tomorrow. You're welcome to come if you'd like," Y/n replied, offering a polite smile. Nodding, Mr. Yoongi returned the smile before opening the door. "I'll definitely stop by. See you later. And thank you again for your assistance."
"Anytime, Mr. Yoongi," Y/n said, bidding him farewell.
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"Wow, I had no idea you were such a talented artist!" Hoseok exclaimed, his eyes scanning the art gallery where Y/n's showcase was taking place. Y/n chuckled softly and nodded in response.
"Well, to be fair, we haven't known each other for that long," she replied graciously, expressing her gratitude to the attendees. Hoseok seized the opportunity to inquire about her recent date. Turning towards Y/n, he asked, "So, how did the date go? Are you guys soulmates?"
Y/n let out a deep sigh, shaking her head in disappointment. "They never showed up," she stated, her gaze focused on a piece of artwork in front of them.
Strangely, she wasn't as disheartened as one might expect. In fact, she had almost decided not to attend the date herself after her encounter with Mr. Yoongi. "I should probably strangle him," Hoseok muttered under his breath, expressing his frustration with his unreliable friend.
As Hoseok continued venting about his friend's unreliability, Y/n turned her head to the side and caught sight of someone entering the gallery.  A light smile formed on her lips for a brief moment before she quickly shook her head and redirected her attention back to Hoseok.
It's not him, Y/n. Remember, don't get your hopes up. His soulmate is out there, and it's unlikely to be you, she reminded herself silently, glancing down at her wrist.
Although Y/n had met Mr. Yoongi twice, she had never caught a glimpse of his wrist to determine their compatibility. In truth, she preferred not to know. She had been making an effort to stop thinking about him, but for some inexplicable reason, she couldn't shake him from her thoughts.
"He's right there. I'm going to give him a piece of my mind," Hoseok grumbled, his frown directed at someone behind Y/n. Shaking her head at his impulsive behavior, Y/n decided to stroll around her exhibit, relishing in the pride she felt for how far she had come in her career.
Painting had always been her refuge, her way of escaping reality, and each canvas held its own unique journey and story. While she never shared those stories with the public, she delighted in hearing people's theories and interpretations of her artwork.
Lost in her own thoughts, Y/n found herself standing in front of her piece titled "Loveless Love." Several people had gathered around it, captivated by its beauty and engaged in discussions. This sight brought a wider smile to her face.
"It's a truly beautiful piece, as I've told you before," a familiar voice spoke, causing Y/n to jump slightly in surprise. She turned her head and saw Yoongi standing there, his gummy smile radiating warmth. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."
"It's alright," Y/n replied, her gaze returning to the painting. She could feel Yoongi's eyes on her, causing a gentle blush to color her cheeks as she focused on the artwork before them. Despite the crowd surrounding them, it felt as though they were the only two people in the room.
"So beautiful," Yoongi whispered, capturing Y/n's attention once again. She met his gaze, and in his eyes, she saw a certain look.
Slowly, he reached up his hand, his fingers tenderly grazing her cheek before delicately tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.
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Y/n's heart fluttered as she gazed up at Yoongi, the man she had come to love deeply. They sat together under the shade of a grand tree, sharing an intimate picnic. Her eyes met his, captivated by the gentle glimmer in his deep brown orbs, and a radiant smile graced her lips.
"Yoongi," she said, her voice filled with affection. "I can't help but wonder... how much do you love me?" As she spoke, Y/n noticed the beautiful ring adorning her left ring finger, engraved with Yoongi's full name.
Yoongi's eyes locked onto hers, and he tenderly clasped her hands. "Trying to extract my wedding vows, huh?" he playfully remarked. "Well, I'm afraid that's top-secret information. But I can promise you, my love for you is immeasurable." His words were accompanied by a light chuckle as he lightly tapped her shoulder.
Unable to contain her joy, Y/n giggled and lightly tapped his good shoulder in return. Leaning down, Yoongi planted a soft kiss on her head, his gaze never leaving her eyes. "Seriously, I want to know," Y/n insisted, a glimmer of curiosity shining in her gaze.
Her expression turned tender as she spoke, her voice filled with heartfelt sincerity. "My love for you knows no bounds. It will endure through rain and sunshine, treating you like a precious diamond and never letting you wander far from my side. Even when distance separates us, you'll always remain in my heart, every second of every day. My love for you will bloom until my very last breath, for with you, I have found purpose and a love I want to show you." Y/n's eyes sparkled as she held Yoongi's gaze, her love pouring forth.
Yoongi's gaze softened, brimming with warmth and adoration. "I remember the first time I saw you," he reminisced.
"From that moment, I knew you were my soulmate. Your presence in your studio captured my attention completely. Your eyes, your smile... they stole my heart the instant you spoke. I never believed in love at first sight until I met you. And to this day, I can't believe how perfectly we were meant to be. You are everything I've ever dreamed of in a soulmate, and now, you are mine. Please never doubt how much I appreciate everything you do for us. You mean the world to me, and I love you with all my heart."
Y/n's cheeks flushed with warmth and delight. "Stop," she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of affection and amusement. "That was so cute, it might make me start crying." She covered her face with her hands, feeling overwhelmed by the depth of Yoongi's love.
Yoongi chuckled softly and gently removed her hands, his lips pressing against the back of them. "And if you do cry," he whispered, his voice filled with tenderness, "I'll always be here to wipe away your tears."
Feeling her heart swell with love, Y/n sat up fully, being careful not to bump her head on a tree branch. Their eyes met once again, and the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their own little universe.
"I can't wait to marry you," Yoongi confessed, his hand tenderly caressing Y/n's cheek. Her smile grew wider, and she felt an overwhelming sense of joy and anticipation.
Unable to contain herself any longer, Y/n leaned forward and kissed Yoongi with all the passion and love she held within her. The kiss started softly but soon deepened, as every inch of their bodies and souls melted into one another. Yoongi's hands cradled Y/n's face, ensuring the perfect connection, while she wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, savoring the warmth of his embrace.
Finally, they pulled apart, their lips still tingling, but their smiles radiant and content. Y/n rested her head on Yoongi's chest, listening to the comforting sound of his heartbeat.
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Time seemed to stand still as Y/n gasped, returning to reality. Her eyes widened, and she looked up at Yoongi, astonishment etched on both their faces. Slowly, a slight pain emanated from her wrist and left ring finger, drawing their attention downward.
Unbeknownst to them, the entire room had turned their gaze towards the couple, their curiosity piqued. Y/n's wrist tattoo faded away, replaced by a name on her ring finger—Min Yoongi.
"Oh my god," Y/n whispered in awe, her eyes flickering up to meet Yoongi's matching expression.
He is my soulmate. He's who I've been waiting for, she thought, her heart overflowing with joy.
Countless questions swirled in her mind, but before she could voice them, Yoongi took action. In a moment of pure instinct, he pressed his lips against hers, leaving Y/n breathless and captivated once again. She gasped in surprise but quickly melted into the kiss, their connection growing stronger with every passing second.
The room erupted into applause and cheers, but Y/n blushed profusely, hiding her face in Yoongi's chest. His laughter reverberated through his chest as he relished in her adorable reaction. "See, Y/n? I told you I knew your soulmate," Hoseok declared triumphantly, catching the attention of both Y/n and Yoongi.
"He's the one I was supposed to meet?" Y/n asked, her voice filled with astonishment. Hoseok nodded, and Y/n turned to Yoongi, finding the same disbelief mirrored in his eyes.
"Yes, Yoongi, she's the one you stood up last night," Hoseok explained, prompting Y/n to laugh wholeheartedly.
"In my defense, I didn't go because I got caught up in work after visiting you," Yoongi confessed, causing Y/n to smile and playfully shake her head. "It's alright. At least now we know who this painting is for."
Yoongi's eyes softened as he whispered, "Yes, my beautiful soulmate, Chun Y/n." Y/n's heart raced, and her smile widened further. Embracing the moment, Yoongi leaned in for a quick peck on her lips. "Guys, please get a room," Hoseok groaned, earning giggles from everyone witnessing the affectionate exchange.
"Can't I cherish my beautiful soulmate?" Yoongi playfully retorted, his eyes shining with adoration.
"Stop it," Y/n protested, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. She looked down shyly, only to be gently guided by Yoongi to meet his gaze once more. "Don't be shy now, Y/n. This is how it will be forever. I promise you," he declared, his voice brimming with sincerity.
"Forever," Y/n whispered, her eyes sparkling with love and excitement. "I absolutely love the sound of that." Their love had found its place, and from that moment on, they embarked on an enchanting journey, hand in hand, destined for a future filled with eternal love and happiness.
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jkabbi · 1 month
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bewitched | chapter 04
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╰┈➤summary: Former neighbors turned lovers, your enchanting romance with Jungkook takes a magical turn. A spell to protect him shapes your past, and now, as a flower shop owner, an unexpected reunion brings buried secrets to light. Past and present collide in a captivating tale of love and mystery.
╰┈➤pairing: jungkook x reader (f)
╰┈➤genre: cf2l, fluff, angst, magic au
╰┈➤warnings: cursing, emotional cheating?), mature content (sex scene (not to explicit🤨)) , mention of depression, mention of illness, drowning and asfixia.
word count. 13k
╰┈➤note; hello everyone! here's another chapter (a bit shorter, im sorry😓) this one was a little difficult to finish because I had a hate-love relationship with it😔but im excited for the next one!! i promise it will be good🤭
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Jungkook's sense of emptiness was a constant companion, a silent weight he carried despite the accolades and admiration from others.
It wasn't a mere existential crisis or a longing for attention—it was a genuine, inexplicable feeling of incompleteness that lingered within him.
Despite his successes—winning competitions, garnering attention for his looks, excelling in various fields—Jungkook couldn't shake off this lingering void. It was like trying to remember a forgotten memory, searching for something elusive in the depths of his being.
He attempted to articulate his feelings, to convey the depth of his emptiness to others, but it seemed futile. Jungkook always tried to explain that it was like forgetting something very important. As if you went to a room to look for something and you didn't remember what to look for.
But no one ever understood it.
People offered well-intentioned advice, urging him to seek out emotions, to dive into new experiences, convinced that these would be the antidote to his emptiness.
Yet, despite his efforts to fill the void with achievements, relationships, and adventures, Jungkook remained haunted by this persistent emptiness. At 27, he found himself still grappling with the same profound sense of lack, yearning for something he couldn't quite define.
Despite his relentless pursuit of fulfillment, Jungkook found himself continuously coming up short. He delved into every avenue available to him, immersing himself in a whirlwind of sensations, experiences, and encounters. From mastering various sports to experimenting with different looks, from forming fleeting connections with numerous partners to exploring new hobbies and traversing the globe, Jungkook left no stone unturned in his quest for meaning.
Yet, despite his efforts, the void within him remained stubbornly untouched. Each adrenaline-fueled adventure, each fleeting romance, each new skill acquired only served to accentuate the hollowness he felt inside. It was a paradoxical existence, as he chased after elusive fulfillment without truly understanding what he sought.
His family, grappling with their own grief over the loss of Jungkook's father, attributed his emptiness to this profound loss. While Jungkook certainly mourned his father deeply and experienced waves of sadness and desperation, he knew instinctively that his sense of emptiness transcended this singular event. It was a void that predated his father's passing, a silent ache that had accompanied him throughout his life, long before he could even articulate its presence.
Despite the love and support of his family, Jungkook carried this burden alone, grappling with the enigma of his own emptiness. And so, he continued his relentless pursuit, driven by an insatiable longing for something he couldn't name, hoping against hope that someday he would finally find what he had been searching for all along.
Despite his therapist's attempt to analyze his emptiness as stemming from insatiability, Jungkook couldn't quite reconcile with that diagnosis. He knew deep down that his longing wasn't simply a desire for more, an insatiable hunger for something beyond his grasp. He had cultivated a life that many would envy—a successful career, a stable relationship with Jiwoo, and a comfortable lifestyle. Yet, despite these external markers of success, the void within him persisted.
Jungkook had ticked off all the boxes of conventional happiness—graduating from a prestigious university with honors, securing a well-paying job as a game designer while also working at a technology company, and maintaining a loving relationship with Jiwoo. On paper, his life seemed picture-perfect. But for Jungkook, happiness remained elusive, always just beyond his reach. It wasn't a matter of wealth or fame, as he had achieved both to some extent. Nor was it a lack of love, for he knew Jiwoo cared for him deeply. Yet, despite Jiwoo's affection, Jungkook couldn't shake off the gnawing doubt that perhaps love alone wasn't enough to fill the void that consumed him from within.
In the quiet moments of introspection, Jungkook found himself grappling with the unsettling realization that perhaps what he sought lay beyond the realm of conventional success and societal expectations. It wasn't material wealth or external validation that he craved, but rather a deeper, more profound sense of purpose and belonging—a connection to something greater than himself that had eluded him thus far.
As Jungkook reflected on his relationship with Jiwoo, he couldn't shake the unsettling truth that her love, though genuine and unwavering, couldn't mend the deep-seated void within him. Despite his genuine affection for her, he grappled with the guilt of knowing that her love alone wasn't enough to fill the emptiness that consumed him.
When Jungkook first met Jiwoo, he hasn’t initially considered Jiwoo as a potential partner. In fact, Jungkook hadn't been in many serious relationships before. His past experiences with relationships had been fleeting and superficial, often ending abruptly when the other party developed deeper feelings that he couldn't reciprocate. He typically opted for one-night stands or occasional dates when he felt lonely, but these never lasted long because he couldn't reciprocate the other person's feelings. He always made sure to end things respectfully when he realized the other person was developing deeper emotions. Despite his casual approach to relationships, Jungkook was mindful not to toy with people's feelings.
It wasn't until two years later, during his time in Europe while he was on a journey to improve his mental health, that Jungkook began to see Jiwoo differently. They had initially met at Namjoon's birthday party, but it wasn't until encountering her at an exhibition that Jungkook started to notice her in a new light.
During their conversation that night, Jungkook found Jiwoo to be kind and engaging. They exchanged numbers, and Jungkook began to communicate with her whenever he had a signal while traveling. Over time, Jiwoo asked him to join him on his trips, and Jungkook, feeling the weight of loneliness on his heart, accepted, hoping her companionship would alleviate his solitude.
Her kindness and companionship offered a reprieve from the loneliness that had plagued him for so long, and he found himself drawn to her warmth and understanding.
Their travels together fostered a deepening bond, culminating in Jungkook's decision to ask Jiwoo to be her boyfriend, and eventually, to marry him. In those moments of bliss and joy, he allowed himself to believe that perhaps he had finally found the missing piece of his puzzle.
But as time passed and the initial euphoria of their love began to fade, Jungkook couldn't shake off the nagging doubt that lingered within him. He wondered if he had made the right decision, if his love for Jiwoo was enough to sustain them both in the long run. Despite his genuine affection for her, he couldn't silence the voice in his head that whispered of his unfulfilled longing, the void that remained untouched by their love.
It wasn't that he regretted Jiwoo or their relationship, but rather that he occasionally doubted the timing and spontaneity of his decisions.
These doubts surfaced during conversations with his close friends, Jimin and Taehyung. While Jimin offered understanding and reassurance, Taehyung's reactions were more challenging. Taehyung questioned the speed and gravity of Jungkook's choices, expressing concerns about making such significant decisions without thorough consideration.
Their discussions often led to heated debates, with Taehyung's points leaving an imprint on Jungkook's thoughts. One argument that lingered in Jungkook's mind was that he and Jiwoo had only experienced each other's company as tourists, never truly living together in a settled environment. Taehyung emphasized the potential challenges of transitioning from occasional travel partners to full-time cohabitants, suggesting that their familiarity might not necessarily translate into long-term compatibility.
Upon returning home and immersing himself in a new video game project, Jungkook saw an opportunity to address Taehyung's concerns. By inviting Jiwoo to move in, Jungkook aimed to prove his friend wrong and demonstrate his commitment to their relationship.
During the two months they had been living together—initially at Taehyung's house while they searched for their own place, and now in their own home—they hadn't encountered any major issues. However, their first significant disagreement arose when they were deciding on their new living space.
Jiwoo, coming from a privileged background, preferred a more luxurious lifestyle and desired to reside near the city center in a spacious and upscale building. On the other hand, Jungkook didn't share the same inclination. It wasn't solely about the cost for him; he prioritized comfort and practicality over extravagance. He found the idea of living in a grandiose, expensive building uncomfortable.
This disparity in preferences led to their first major discussion as a couple. While Jiwoo's upbringing influenced her desire for opulence, Jungkook's grounded nature guided his preference for a more modest and cozy living environment.
One day, while wandering beyond Taehyung's upscale neighborhood into a less lavish area, Jungkook experienced an unfamiliar sensation—a warm feeling in his chest, a sense of familiarity that drew him onward. Intrigued by this inexplicable emotion, he followed its intangible trail, eventually arriving at an aged street.
Despite its unassuming appearance, Jungkook felt an inexplicable attraction to the place.
As they explored further, they stumbled upon a small apartment nestled among the aging buildings. It was modest, no more than six floors, and bore the signs of its age, yet Jungkook felt an undeniable pull towards it. Jiwoo, though less enthused, followed Jungkook's lead as they approached the apartment. It was there, upon seeing the interior, that a small spark ignited within Jungkook.
However, Jiwoo couldn't share Jungkook's enthusiasm. She questioned why they should settle for a place that seemed outdated and lacked the amenities of more modern apartments, especially considering their financial means.
Their disagreement escalated into their first significant argument as a couple. Despite viewing multiple properties, Jungkook couldn't shake the desire to call this particular apartment home. Jiwoo struggled to comprehend his attachment to the place when there were seemingly better options available.
In the end, Jungkook's determination won out. He couldn't envision living anywhere else but in that old apartment, driven by an indescribable sense of belonging. Reluctantly, Jiwoo relented, agreeing to move into the apartment despite her reservations.
Despite the apparent flaws of the apartment—the peeling walls, moldy ceiling, cramped space, and lack of parking—Jungkook found himself inexplicably drawn to it. He couldn't quite comprehend why he felt such a strong attraction, especially considering its evident shortcomings. Yet, despite his reservations, he proceeded to sign the papers and purchase the place, driven by a gut feeling he couldn't shake.
There was an air of normalcy surrounding the place until one fateful day when Jungkook unexpectedly crossed paths with you, a friend of Jimin and Yoongi. Despite hearing about her in passing conversations, Jungkook had never paid much attention to you. However, from the moment he laid eyes on you, he found himself inexplicably drawn to your presence.
Their first encounter took place at a casual barbecue hosted by Jimin. Although Jungkook could technically say he had met you, he hadn't exchanged a single word with you. In fact, he couldn't even manage a simple greeting before you vanished into thin air the moment they arrived. This mysterious disappearance only fueled Jungkook's curiosity.
The second encounter occurred entirely by chance. While Jungkook was exercising in the park, Bam, his loyal companion, led him straight to you. It was then that Jungkook had the opportunity to observe you properly for the first time. Standing there, short in stature with cropped hair, your attire was unconventional yet suited you perfectly. However, what truly captivated Jungkook were your eyes—neither strikingly colored nor unusual, but undeniably beautiful. They were warm, expansive orbs that seemed to hold an irresistible allure, drawing him in.
Initiating a conversation with you proved challenging, mainly due to your evident shyness—or so Jungkook surmised. You constantly averted your gaze and fidgeted nervously, shifting your hands and legs from one position to another. Although your interaction was brief, the memory of that encounter lingered with Jungkook, accompanied by the lingering scent of flowers that seemed to cling to him long after you had parted ways.
Subsequent meetings were equally serendipitous. One took place at your flower shop, where you were going to create a floral arrangement for his upcoming wedding. The other encounter was decidedly more peculiar—it occurred in Jungkook's own building, revealing that you were his neighbor all along. Once again, it was Bam who facilitated the unexpected reunion.
Despite Jungkook's busy schedule that often kept him away from home, he occasionally glimpsed you during these chance encounters—whether it was while you were taking out the trash or returning home from work. Each sighting only served to deepen Jungkook's intrigue, sparking a growing desire to unravel the mystery surrounding you.
Hence, Jungkook found himself grappling with a perplexing dilemma. Despite the limited depth of your conversations, he couldn't shake the persistent thoughts of you from his mind. Admitting to himself that you were indeed nice, he couldn't fathom why you occupied his thoughts so relentlessly.
However, it was the pivotal moment during his welcome party that pushed Jungkook to the brink of confusion and inner turmoil. As both of you reached down to retrieve the fallen sundial from the ground, your hands accidentally brushed against each other. In that fleeting touch, Jungkook experienced a surge of electricity coursing through his body, igniting every nerve ending with an inexplicable energy. Yet, it wasn't just the physical sensation that left him reeling—it was the profound connection forged in the brief meeting of gazes with your captivating eyes. In that moment, a wave of warmth washed over him, accompanied by a strange but undeniable sense of belonging that enveloped his entire being.
Unable to rationalize or comprehend the depth of his emotions, Jungkook was left bewildered and conflicted. He couldn't explain the overwhelming sensation nor could he understand why it resonated with him so profoundly. All he knew was that this inexplicable connection was the closest he had ever come to finding solace for his restless soul.
Yet, as quickly as the moment arrived, it was eclipsed by an overwhelming wave of guilt and shame. He had a fiancée for heaven's sake! He was a taken man! He couldn't feel that way about another person.
After all, he was engaged to Jiwoo—bound by commitment and duty. Consumed by remorse, Jungkook couldn't even bring himself to meet the gaze of Jiwoo or Daisy that night.
In the days that followed, Jungkook found himself ensnared in a relentless cycle of torment. The name "Daisy" echoed incessantly in his mind like a haunting refrain, refusing to be silenced. Even during the daylight hours, he struggled to quell the intrusive thoughts and tumultuous emotions that plagued his conscience. Yet, it was during the oppressive darkness of night that his inner turmoil reached its zenith.
Each night proved to be a battleground for Jungkook's sanity. In the hushed stillness of darkness, his subconscious mind betrayed him, conjuring vivid dreams of the girl with the mesmerizing eyes. These nocturnal visions, though fleeting, held him captive in their embrace, wrenching him from the comforting embrace of slumber and thrusting him into a realm of turmoil and confusion.
The weight of guilt and shame bore down on Jungkook like a suffocating cloak, leaving him feeling utterly debased and tainted for indulging in thoughts of another woman—especially while lying beside his unsuspecting fiancée, Jiwoo. The internal struggle raged on unabated, tormenting him with each passing night, as he grappled with the moral implications of his forbidden desires and the devastating impact they could have on his relationship.
As Jungkook grappled with the overwhelming emotions and turmoil consuming his mind, he was determined to prove to himself that his attraction to Daisy was merely a fleeting infatuation—a passing phase that would dissipate with time. Thus, he found himself engaging in an intimate encounter with his fiancée, Jiwoo, with fervor bordering on desperation.
As the heat of the day and the intensity of their physical exertions mingled, beads of sweat formed on Jungkook's brow, his focus solely on the rhythmic movements and the impassioned sounds emanating from Jiwoo beneath him. Despite their passionate union, Jungkook's efforts were marred by an inability to reach climax, a frustrating realization that only added to his mounting frustration and stress.
Desperate to salvage the moment and find release, Jungkook attempted to stimulate himself further, his gaze lingering on Jiwoo's exposed form, her vulnerability laid bare before him. Yet, even this visual stimulus failed to evoke the desired response as his mind betrayed him, inundating his senses with memories and sensations associated with Daisy—the intoxicating scent of daisies, the golden highlights in her hair glistening in the sunlight, the infectious laughter that illuminated her face and revealed a subtle dimple in her cheek.
Frustration boiled over into anger as Jungkook's thoughts spiraled out of control, his mental image of Daisy mocking him relentlessly. With a growl of frustration, he redoubled his efforts, thrusting with renewed vigor, determined to drown out the intrusive thoughts plaguing his mind.
Jiwoo, he reminded himself, I'm fucking Jiwoo, my fiancee, focus.
He found himself jolted from the depths of his passion as Jiwoo's delicate hands traced the contours of his firm abdomen. Her voice, a melodic symphony of need and desire, pierced through the haze of her arousal. "Kook, are you close? I'm so sensitive," she moaned, her words mingling with the air thick with anticipation.
As Jungkook reluctantly eased his fervor, the room fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the subtle creak of the door. It was a sound he might have missed had he not momentarily relented. Astonishingly, it seemed Jiwoo had also detected the intrusion.
"The door?" she inquired, her eyes half-closed in the throes of pleasure. Jungkook, torn between frustration and curiosity, welcomed the diversion.
The door's insistent rapping shattered the stillness once more, less pronounced than before. With a sense of urgency, Jungkook withdrew from Jiwoo's embrace, hastily reaching for the first garment he could find – his boxers.
Breathless and drenched in sweat, he swung the door open abruptly.
It seemed as though the universe itself was playing a cruel joke on him. There you stood, behind his door, your wide, beautiful eyes widened even further in surprise at the unexpected encounter. Quickly averting your gaze from his naked form, you seemed flustered, your cheeks tinted with a rosy blush.
Jungkook, finally regaining his composure, couldn't ignore the rapid thudding of his heart at the sight of your embarrassment. Offering a sheepish apology, he hurried to find something to cover himself with before returning to face you. Your nervous demeanor didn't escape his notice as you fidgeted with the rings on your fingers and shuffled your feet anxiously.
"I'm sorry. I should have covered up before answering the door. Please, tell me what's going on," Jungkook urged, his gaze softening as he observed your shy and embarrassed expression.
You hesitated, struggling to find the right words amidst your flustered state. "Um... there's... I mean... it's just..." you stammered, your cheeks growing warmer. If Jungkook's mind hadn't been so preoccupied with the chaos unfolding before him, he might have found your reaction endearing.
Raising an eyebrow, Jungkook prompted you to continue, his curiosity piqued. "Your dog is in my house!" you exclaimed, the words tumbling out in a rush. However, as you noticed the forcefulness of your tone, embarrassment washed over you, and you quickly amended, "I mean... Bam wandered into my house, and he doesn't seem to want to leave."
Jungkook's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?" he echoed, his own astonishment mirroring yours.
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Drinking wine during the day had never been your usual practice, but given the gravity of the situation, it seemed necessary. There you were, seated on the floor, your short, tousled hair pulled up into a messy bun, your glasses slipping down your nose, surrounded by over twenty ancient magic books strewn across the living room. Stress consumed you, evident in the way your hands trembled as you pored over the texts, desperately seeking a solution. Salem, your cat, had turned on the radio, filling the air with noise to drown out the sound of your internal turmoil. Kang's unexpected appearance had sent your world into a tailspin, enveloping you in a suffocating blanket of fear. Not even Salem's typically sarcastic remarks could distract you. Your mind swirled with endless scenarios of potential disaster, making sleep an elusive luxury. Yoongi had taken notice, choosing to spend more time at your house in an effort to provide support during these trying times.
Yoongi was deeply affected by your emotional breakdown, and upon your return home that fateful night, you unloaded the weight of your past onto him. In a torrent of words, you vomited out every painful memory and trauma, while he struggled to comprehend and prevent you from slipping into another state of distress. His response was simple yet comforting: he patted your back in silent support and refilled your glass of wine.
Having now glimpsed the entirety of your life story, Yoongi made a solemn promise to guard your secrets closely. From then on, discussions about your past were veiled in coded language whenever others were present. The topic of Kang loomed large in your conversations, prompting heated debates and, at times, the need to restrain Yoongi from storming out of your home to confront him directly during gatherings at Tae's house.
Together, you and Yoongi devised a strategy to shield Kang from the truth: Yoongi would feign ignorance of Kang's true identity and your own, allowing Kang to believe that he was just another oblivious mortal. It was a calculated decision, born out of the understanding that it was safer for Kang to remain in the dark, rather than risk his wrath by exposing the full extent of Yoongi knowledge.
That’s why you had spent the entire afternoon with your head buried in ancient tomes, flipping through pages in various languages, searching for a spell to protect yourself from Kang or confront him if necessary. The books, worn and weathered, held the key to your safety in their yellowed pages. However, the pact you had made with the priest of the Church of the Night forbade you from seeking aid from your former coven, leaving you to rely solely on your own resources.
Feeling the strain in your hand, you decided it was time for a break. You opened the large window in your living room, letting in a rush of fresh air, before making your way to the bathroom to splash water on your face. Meanwhile, Salem was engrossed in conversation with members of some sort of animal wizard club on your computer.
As you stood before the mirror, rubbing your temples, you heard a muffled noise from beyond the closed bathroom door, isolated from the sounds of the radio. Perplexed, you paused, straining to discern the source of the disturbance. The sound repeated, growing stronger with each thud against the wall. Intrigued, you pressed your ear against the barrier, only to recoil in horror at the unmistakable sounds emanating from the other side.
The moans—the intimate, unmistakable moans—sent a wave of nausea crashing over you. Jungkook's voice, a familiar tone from your youth, mingled with another, higher-pitched and sweet, belonging to Jiwoo. The realization hit you like a ton of bricks, leaving your heart lodged firmly in your throat. The urge to vomit surged, and you quickly withdrew from the wall as if it were searing hot, unable to bear another moment of the painful revelation unfolding on the other side.
Tears threatened to spill from your eyes as jealousy consumed you whole. That should be me, you thought bitterly, your mind swirling with conflicting emotions. After all, you were the one who had known Jungkook first, the one who shared his first kiss and his first intimate moments. You were the one who had been there to comfort him in his darkest hours and share in his joyous triumphs.
Leaning heavily against the sink, you squeezed your hands into fists, grappling with the painful truth that it was you who had ultimately let him slip away. The memory of casting that spell to erase yourself from his memories haunted you, a decision born of fear. Yet, deep down, you knew it was the right thing to do. You couldn't bear the thought of holding him back or putting him in danger because of your life.
It's fair, a voice in your head reasoned, reminding you that Jungkook deserved the chance to move on and find happiness with someone who wasn't you. And Jiwoo seemed to embody everything good and deserving of his love.
Scolding yourself for indulging in self-pity, you forced yourself to confront the reality of the situation. Jungkook was a good person, and he deserved the best—even if that meant it wasn't with you. With a deep breath, you pushed aside your feelings of envy and self-doubt.
He’s fine you reminded yourself That’s all that matters
After a few moments of mental chastisement, you emerged from the bathroom.
Your mental state had deteriorated to the point where reality blurred with the figments of your imagination. As you stood in the middle of your living room, blinking in confusion, you couldn't shake the feeling that the Doberman sitting on your couch, sniffing at your cushions, was nothing more than a hallucination. It looked uncannily like Jungkook's beloved dog, Bam, but you couldn't trust your senses anymore.
Before you could fully process the situation, the puppy noticed you and bounded towards you, tail wagging furiously. Caught off guard, you found yourself tumbling to the ground as the exuberant canine showered you with playful licks. Disoriented but unable to resist, you laughed weakly and attempted to push yourself upright, only to find the puppy still atop you, eagerly seeking attention.
"It's okay, buddy," you reassured the puppy, struggling to regain your composure. "I just need to get up, and then I'll give you all the attention you want." With some effort, you managed to extricate yourself from the playful pup's grasp and rose to your feet. The puppy, now sitting expectantly on the couch, wagged its tail in anticipation.
Moved by the puppy's innocence and enthusiasm, you couldn't help but feel a surge of tenderness towards the puppy. Gesturing for it to stay put, you settled down beside it on the couch, running your hand over its head and marveling at the softness of its fur. The puppy leaned into your touch, emitting a contented sigh that melted away some of the tension coiled within you.
Then, your consciousness returned.
What is Bam doing here? You couldn't help but wonder, "How did he get into the house?" Your answer came when you noticed the window you had opened moments ago, revealing the fire escape linking your apartment to Jungkook's. Then came the question: Should I leave him? It's not a problem here, but Jungkook might worry. The issue is, Jungkook is preoccupied with his girlfriend—very much so. To avoid heartache again, you decide to drop Bam off home in about half an hour, to not interrupt the activities of his human dad. After some affectionate moments with Bam, you leave him on your couch and return to the floor to continue your investigation. However, your plan falls apart as Bam prefers to join you, jumping off the couch and onto the papers and books. Hastily removing him from the mess, you take a deep breath. Meeting his eyes, you point to the scattered books. "Bam, this is important. You can't sit on top of this." The puppy seems to understand, sitting up straight next to you, his big honey eyes open and curious. "I'll leave you by my side, but you have to be a good boy, okay?" Apparently, he understands, as he stays still next to you, lying on your lap.
The two of you remained in that tense standoff until Salem emerged from your room, clutching the broken sundial. Bam perked up at Salem's entrance, wagging his tail, but as soon as he caught sight of the sundial, he leaped to his feet and began barking fiercely, positioning himself protectively in front of you. Salem recoiled in horror, scrambling up onto the bookcase. "What is this creature doing here?!" he exclaimed.
You attempted to soothe Bam, gently touching his back, but the puppy refused to calm down. Unfortunately, you were too weak to use a charm to pacify him. Bam continued to bark and growl, fixated on the sundial lying on the ground.
"Bam, it's alright! We're not in danger!" you reassured him, but Bam persisted in his aggressive behavior. You glanced at Salem, who was watching you intently.
"You'll have to return it. I've figured out a way to track that magic and identify the spell, but we can't do it if the canine doesn't stop being hostile!"
"But Salem!" you pleaded silently, not wanting to go to Jeon Jungkook's house.
The cat remained firm, shaking his head. "No, no, no. We must perform the spell now. Get up and leave the mutt at home."
Reluctantly, you agreed, knowing that understanding Kang's enchantment on the sundial was crucial.
Resigned to the situation, you took hold of the angry puppy by his leash. Surprisingly, he wasn't aggressive towards you, but his sheer bulk made it impossible for you to budge him.
"Bam! Let's go!" you urged, but he paid no attention. You strained against his weight, but your feeble hands lacked the strength to move him.
"Call Jungkook," Salem advised. "You won't be able to get him out. He's hell-bent on protecting you."
You shot Salem a glare that could have frozen lava and reluctantly left Bam in his place. Gathering your courage, you stepped out of your apartment.
As you stood outside your neighbor's door, you could only hope that he had already concluded his intimate encounter with his girlfriend. Hesitantly, you reached out to knock, then drew your hand back. Salem's impatient cry of "Just do it now!" spurred you to cast aside your hesitation and rap sharply on the door.
Closing your eyes, you braced yourself for what might come next. Nervously, you fidgeted with your sandals, the seconds stretching into eternity as you waited for a response.
When none came, you knocked again, determined to push through your anxiety and see this through to the end, despite the urge to flee.
But amidst your nervousness, you couldn't shake the feeling that the universe was conspiring against you. Hurried footsteps echoed through the hallway, and the door swung open to reveal Jungkook standing there, clad only in boxers. Flustered, you averted your gaze, cheeks burning with embarrassment.
Apologizing profusely, Jungkook darted back inside, reemerging moments later in a hastily donned sports t-shirt, evidence of its prior use apparent. "I'm sorry. I should have covered up before answering the door. Please, tell me what's going on," he urged, his tone earnest.
Frozen in place, you couldn't help but steal another glance at him, the image of his nearly naked form seared into your mind. Reminding yourself of your purpose, you struggled to find your words amid the haze of embarrassment and discomfort.
"Um... there's... I mean... it's just..." you stammered, your face growing hotter by the second. Acutely aware of his gaze upon you, you nervously blurted out, "Your dog is in my house!"
Startled by the urgency in your tone, you quickly attempted to amend your statement. "I mean... Bam wandered into my house, and he doesn't seem to want to leave."
Finally mustering the courage to meet Jungkook's gaze, you observed the surprise and confusion etched across his striking features. "What?" he questioned, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"I think he came in through my window," you commented, and Jungkook's eyes widened in concern.
"It doesn't bother me, but he's a bit agitated, and I can't seem to calm him down," you explained, trying to reassure Jungkook.
Almost throwing himself at you, Jungkook exclaimed, "Are you okay?! Did he hurt you?! I'm so sorry!" He began inspecting you for any signs of injury, his worry palpable.
Taking hold of his wrist, you smiled to ease his anxiety. "No, it's alright. In fact, he seemed protective of me," you assured him, your tone soothing. Jungkook visibly relaxed at your words, although he didn't release his grip on your shoulders.
Affected by his closeness and the mingling scents of his cologne, sweat, and, unfortunately, remnants of their earlier intimacy, you took a step back. Jungkook shook his head slightly, as if snapping out of a trance.
"I'm sorry," he apologized, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'll go get him."
You gave him an understanding look and made your way back to your apartment. "I'm really sorry, Daisy," Jungkook apologized again as he followed you inside. "Bam isn't usually like this."
You waved off his apology and led the way to the living room, where Bam was still in the same spot where you had left him.
Despite Bam's initial angry growls, he visibly relaxed when he spotted Jungkook, his master. Jungkook approached him slowly, his voice gentle and soothing as he addressed the agitated pup. "Hello, friend. Why are you so upset, hmm? Is it because of the broken sundial? Come on, Bam, it's just an object."
As Jungkook reached out to stroke Bam's back, the tension in the air began to dissipate. Gradually, Bam's growls subsided, replaced by a sense of calm under Jungkook's reassuring touch. "You see, there's nothing to worry about. Daisy is safe, and the object can't hurt her," Jungkook reassured the pup, who glanced over at you before lowering his head in acknowledgment.
Moved by Bam's display of protectiveness, you approached them, bending down to touch his head affectionately. "It's okay, Bammie. Thank you for protecting me," you expressed sweetly, feeling a rush of warmth as Bam wagged his tail and licked your face. Jungkook joined in the moment, laughter bubbling between you as the tension eased.
"Now, do you want to tell me why you broke into someone else's house?" Jungkook demanded playfully, adopting an authoritarian tone. Bam looked at you, almost pleading for assistance.
"It's alright. He's a good boy. He just came to say hello, didn't you?" you interjected, excusing Bam's behavior as he looked at Jungkook with hopeful eyes.
"Alright, it's time to head home," Jungkook said gently, noticing Bam's lowered tail with a tinge of disappointment. "You can come visit me another day if your owner allows it," you added, casting a glance at Jungkook. His face lit up with a bunny-like smile as he nodded in agreement. "Bam has permission, but now he needs to listen to me," Jungkook affirmed with a playful tone.
Bam, understanding the cue, obediently approached you to bid farewell before trotting towards the door. You couldn't help but be impressed. "He's very smart," you remarked, turning to Jungkook with a mixture of surprise and admiration.
Jungkook nodded happily and bid farewell before following Bam out the door. You waved them off with a smile, but Salem's irritated cat's meow urged you to enter the house quickly.
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Today marked the eagerly anticipated camping trip with your closest friends. Dividing into two cars, you found yourself riding alongside Yoongi, Jimin, and Taehyung, while Jungkook took charge of Jiwoo and Namjoon. The journey ahead wasn't overly lengthy, just a couple of hours winding through scenic routes, eventually leading to a tranquil haven nestled amidst majestic mountains and serene lakes.
As the afternoon unfolded, the group's decision to head to the lake for a swim became unanimous. While everyone else eagerly made their way towards the water, you and Jimin lingered behind. Despite the temptation of the lake's cool embrace, you took a moment to apply sunscreen, mindful of the sun's intensity. Jimin, ever thoughtful, offered you some suntan lotion, but you politely declined, knowing it wouldn't offer much protection.
Engaged in conversation, you and Jimin strolled leisurely towards the lake, towels in hand, enjoying the warmth of the sun on your skin. "The sun is really intense today," Jimin remarked, squinting against the bright rays. "I know," you replied, adjusting your hat to shield your face. "I hope the sunscreen I bought for my face holds up. I don't want any more sunburns," you grumbled, carefully navigating the rocky path.
Jimin chuckled in agreement, "Tell me about it. I once bought a cream that promised to be 'the best for eye wrinkles,' turns out it was basically just water." His light-hearted comment elicited a laugh from both of you.
As you reached the shore of the lake, the voices and laughter of your friends grew louder. Upon arrival, your eyes were immediately drawn to Tae and Kook playfully wrestling in the water.
You and Jimin settled down next to Yoongi, Namjoon, and Jiwoo, who were lounging on the sand. Yoongi was dozing off, Namjoon engrossed in a book, and Jiwoo soaking up the sun.
Jimin slipped off his shirt and gestured for you to join him in the water, his eyes bright with excitement.
However, you politely declined, and Jimin, with a shrug and a smile, accepted your decision without hesitation.
"Hey! Wait up!" Jimin called out to the others as he eagerly swam towards them, his laughter carrying over the rippling surface of the lake.
Sitting there, taking in the breathtaking scenery, you couldn't help but admire the beauty of the place. "It's incredibly beautiful, isn't it?" Namjoon remarked, tearing his gaze away from his book to appreciate the surroundings.
You nodded in agreement, taking in the strong, warm sun and the shimmering water, reflecting thousands of glimmering lights within the lake. The lush green backdrop of hills and forests provided a striking contrast to the serene waters.
"Have you been here many times?" you inquired, turning to Namjoon.
Namjoon hummed thoughtfully. "A few times, yes. I stumbled upon this place a few years back while hiking with some college friends."
Engaging in conversation, you and Namjoon delved into discussions about travel and natural wonders. Namjoon asked you questions about plants and wildlife, while you quizzed him about his various adventures and discoveries in different parts of the world.
The sun beat down on your skin relentlessly, prompting the inevitable need to cool off in the water. Yet, an irrational nervousness gripped you, despite knowing they were just friends. However, Jungkook's presence added an extra layer of self-consciousness, subtly comparing your body to Jiwoo's, who lounged nearby, absorbed in a fashion magazine and wearing a stylish pink bikini that accentuated her curves flawlessly. Her toned legs, slender abdomen, and modest bust exuded confidence, resembling a magazine model.
Meanwhile, you opted for a more conservative choice—a purple floral print high waisted bikini swimsuit. Your fair skin, prone to burning easily, was shielded by layers of sunscreen, protecting your delicate complexion from the harsh sun. The combination of sweat and dust formed an uncomfortable layer on your skin, adding to your disheveled appearance.
Your hair, tousled from earlier adventures, was hastily thrown into a messy bun atop your head. Despite feeling far from put-together, the relentless heat left you with no choice but to brave the water.
Excusing yourself quietly to Namjoon, you slipped out of the dress you had been wearing. As you watched the boys still playing in the water, you made a concerted effort not to draw attention to yourself. Sneaking away to a secluded spot along the shore, you waded into the water, seeking solace from the relentless heat.
The cool embrace of the water was exquisite, immediately easing the discomfort of the sun's intensity. With a contented sigh, you closed your eyes and allowed yourself to float, basking in the tranquility of the moment.
It was always a peculiar phenomenon for you—how being close to an elemental force like water seemed to alleviate your pain and calm your mind. In those moments immersed in the water, you felt a profound sense of peace wash over you.
However, your brief respite was abruptly interrupted by the sound of Jimin's voice calling out your name. Cursing inwardly, you turned to see Jimin standing in the water, his gaze fixed on you, with Taehyung and Jungkook pausing their playful antics to glance in your direction.
If it weren't for the scorching sun already warming your cheeks, they surely would have flushed crimson at the breathtaking sight before you.
Taehyung stood with his golden physique on full display, his slender frame glistening with water droplets, reminiscent of a model straight out of a perfume commercial. Yet, it was his companion who truly stole the spotlight—a modern-day Adonis incarnate.
Jungkook stood beside him, his bare chest showcasing each chiseled muscle honed by countless hours at the gym. Water cascaded over his sculpted abdomen, delineating every contour of his muscular arms and accentuating the tattoos adorning his sun-kissed skin. His thick legs were exposed as his swimsuit rode up slightly, while his face, illuminated by the radiant sun, revealed even more of his caramel complexion, a striking contrast to his dark, tousled hair.
Stunned, you could only gaze in awe, grateful that only your face was visible above the waterline, concealing the trembling of your legs. Jungkook's perfection was so captivating that you found yourself yearning for the artistic talent to immortalize his essence in a mural, destined for display in a prestigious museum. Such was his allure that you wished everyone could experience the pleasure of beholding his beauty and marvel at the realization that someone like him truly existed.
"Daisy?" Jimin's voice broke through your reverie, pulling you back to the present.
You smiled nervously, trying to appear nonchalant. "What's up?" you asked casually, despite the flutter of nerves in your stomach.
Jimin grinned mischievously. "Nothing much. I just wanted to see if you wanted to join us," he replied, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Before you could decline, Taehyung chimed in, shaking his head. "Don't be like that, Daisy!" he whined, his puppy-dog eyes pleading. "Come on, it'll be fun. Think of it as a chance to bond."
You hesitated, not wanting to betray the trembling of your body if you stood up. Damn Jeon Jungkook, you cursed inwardly, feeling like a lovesick schoolgirl every time you laid eyes on him.
"It's okay, Tae," you responded, attempting to reassure him. "You guys go ahead and have your fun. I'm fine here."
Taehyung seemed on the verge of protesting, but Jungkook intervened, his brow furrowing as he placed a veined, tattooed hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Don't push her, Taehyung. Let her be," Jungkook's tone carried a hint of authority, surprising not just you but also Jimin, who wore a subtle expression of astonishment.
Taehyung merely offered a suspicious smile. "Just trying to be nice," he insisted.
Before Jungkook could respond, you stepped in, not wanting them to argue over you.
"It's alright, Jungkook," you met his gaze squarely, conveying that you were genuinely okay with the situation. "What would you like to do, Taehyung?" you redirected your attention towards the other boy, hoping to diffuse any tension.
His commercial smile widened as Taehyung happily addressed you. "We've got a volleyball. Do you know how to play?"
Instantly, embarrassment flooded over you. If there was one thing you were terrible at, it was sports. Memories of balls flying towards you in gym class, inevitably ending with them hitting you square in the face, flashed through your mind. With a sheepish shake of your head, you confirmed what Taehyung seemed to expect. "No, I don't."
"Perfect! I'll teach you," Taehyung exclaimed enthusiastically, eliciting a giggle from Jimin. "Good luck. Daisy hates sports," he chimed in, teasingly.
Jungkook's curiosity piqued as he looked towards you. "Really? Why?" he inquired, his gaze encouraging you to share.
Desperately wishing the earth would swallow you whole, you felt a surge of anxiety rise within you. You didn't want to admit your shortcomings in mobility and reflexes, fearing their judgment.
“I'm just not good at it," you replied, feeling utterly mortified.
Jungkook flashed a reassuring smile, his teeth glinting in the sunlight. "Come on. It can't be that bad," he encouraged, his tone gentle.
But you remained firm in your refusal. "I promise. I'm terrible," you insisted, your embarrassment deepening.
Taehyung, undeterred by your reluctance, clapped his hands eagerly. "Even more reason for me to teach you!" he declared, his enthusiasm unwavering.
You offered a nervous smile, but inside, you were one hundred percent certain that you were about to make a complete fool of yourself in front of them.
As Taehyung dashed to the shore in search of the ball, Jimin leaped back into the water, leaving just you and Jungkook on the shore. Sensing Jungkook's gaze lingering on you, you couldn't help but feel self-conscious, wishing to hide away as you imagined him comparing you to his fiancée's seemingly perfect physique.
Before you could muster the courage to inquire if everything was alright, Taehyung returned, clutching the volleyball tightly in his hand as he strode back towards you with purpose.
"I'm back. Now, Daisy," Taehyung addressed you, positioning himself by your side.
With determination, Taehyung began explaining the basic rules of water volleyball, covering everything from the game's objective to scoring and the number of players per team. Despite your efforts to grasp the intricacies of the game, you found yourself struggling to keep up with his explanation, nodding along in agreement to everything he said.
When Taehyung finally finished his explanation, he turned to you expectantly. "Do you understand?" he asked.
Without missing a beat, you replied with a confident "Yes," although it couldn't have been further from the truth.
Taehyung beamed in response. "Great. Now, for the demonstration. Jungkook, lend me a hand," he called out to his friend, who had been observing quietly as Taehyung explained the game to you.
Jungkook stepped forward, ready to assist Taehyung in the demonstration.
As Jungkook positioned himself in front of Taehyung, Taehyung initiated the practical demonstration, addressing you with a reassuring smile. "Alright, Daisy, watch closely. We'll start with the basics," he began, his tone encouraging.
As they commenced passing the ball between them, Taehyung provided commentary to guide you through the process. "See how we're using our arms to control the direction of the pass? It's all about precision," he explained, demonstrating each movement with clarity. Jungkook nodded in agreement, chiming in, "And don't forget to communicate with your teammate. Let them know where you're sending the ball."
As they progressed to more advanced techniques such as blocking and spiking, Taehyung continued to offer insights. "Now, Daisy, this is where things get exciting. Watch how Jungkook positions himself to block my spike," he instructed, demonstrating the maneuver with precision. Jungkook added his own input, "And when you're spiking, aim for open spaces on the other side of the net. It's all about finding the gaps."
Despite their patient instruction, you found yourself unable to fully focus on the game. How could you explain to them that your mind was preoccupied with a significant distraction—a distraction in the form of Jungkook himself? With each movement of his body in the water, you found yourself captivated by the fluidity of his motions, the flexing of his muscles, the way his hair swayed with each gesture, and the faint grunts that escaped his lips, igniting a fiery response within you. Despite your efforts to concentrate, Jungkook's presence proved to be a captivating distraction you couldn't shake.
You felt an icy and damp arm slide onto your shoulders—it was Jimin. "They're pretty good, huh?" he remarked, gazing at his friends. You nodded in agreement. "They used to play all the time in college. Kook was even approached several times to join the college team."
The revelation didn't come as a surprise. Jungkook's athletic prowess had always been evident, often serving as the reason you managed to scrape by in those dreaded physical education classes.
"And did he accept?" you inquired, directing your gaze towards the two boys.
Jimin shook his head. "No, he turned it down. Jungkook can't stand being in the spotlight."
You raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "He doesn't?"
"Despite how he may seem, Jungkook is actually quite introverted," Jimin explained. "He only puts himself out there when he feels obligated to or under social pressure."
It was a revelation that resonated with you. Even as children, Jungkook had always seemed most at ease in the company of you and Taehyung.
"Hey, Jimin!" Taehyung's voice interrupted, "Stop distracting her!"
"I'm sorry!" Jimin shot back, a playful grin on his face. "It's not my fault you guys are boring to watch!" he teased, earning a laugh from both of you.
Tae and Kook exchanged a brief, intense glance before Tae swiftly hurled the ball at Jimin. Fortunately, you had moved away from Jimin's side, so the ball merely grazed his head. Reacting quickly, Tae lunged at Jimin, and you found yourself instinctively running over to their side, inadvertently ending up next to Jungkook.
As Tae and Jimin engaged in a playful water fight, Jungkook positioned himself in front of you, shielding you from the splashes with a protective stance. He turned to you, his expression apologetic. "I'm sorry," he said, his gaze narrowing slightly. "They can be a bit immature."
Shielding your eyes from the sun with your hand, you chuckled softly. "I know," you replied. "Jimin's always been the playful type."
Jungkook laughed too, his eyes softening as he looked at you. "He was even wilder back in college," he confessed.
"I've heard the stories," you remarked, imagining the antics they must have gotten up to.
Jungkook ran a hand through his wet hair, and you found yourself mesmerized by the simple gesture. "He's calmed down a lot now," Jungkook observed. "I think it's because of Yoongi."
You nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Yoongi definitely has a calming influence on him. But that doesn't mean Jimin's boring—he's just more reserved now."
Jungkook hummed in approval. "They complement each other well."
"They really do," you agreed with a nod, feeling a sense of warmth in Jungkook's presence.
Jungkook appeared to be on the verge of saying something when Jimin suddenly dashed towards you, taking refuge behind you. As Taehyung approached with a determined expression, he called out to Jimin, his tone filled with annoyance. "Come here, Park Jimin. Don't act like a coward," he demanded, coming to stand beside you.
Jimin squeezed your arms tightly, continuing to hide behind you. "I'd be a complete idiot to listen to you," he retorted defiantly.
"Get out from behind Daisy and face me!" Taehyung urged, his frustration evident.
Jungkook, positioned protectively in front of you, seemed to tense, likely concerned that you might inadvertently get hurt due to any recklessness on Jimin or Taehyung's part.
Jimin chuckled from behind you. "No way in hell!" he shot back.
As Taehyung closed in on you, Jimin began to dart around, skillfully evading Taehyung's attempts to reach him.
"Hey!" Jungkook's voice cut through the commotion. "Don't mess around with her in the middle like that," he admonished, his expression stern.
Undeterred, Jimin playfully stuck his tongue out at Taehyung, taunting him while expertly maneuvering to avoid being caught.
The constant movement caused by Jimin's antics left you feeling dizzy and disoriented.
Lately, sudden movements had been making you feel queasy, and the relentless stimulation of the sun only worsened your dizziness. "Guys," you attempted weakly, but neither of them heard you, completely absorbed in their playful antics.
Realizing that you couldn't stay in that spot much longer without fainting, you fought against the overwhelming sensation of dizziness that threatened to overtake you. However, the world around you began to blur, and you found yourself unable to speak.
Strong arms suddenly wrapped around you, preventing you from collapsing into the water. You were gently pressed against a chest, and though words were spoken to you, they sounded distant and muffled. Your vision remained hazy, but you sensed being lifted off the ground.
Against the person's chest, you caught a faint scent of freshness and mint, accompanied by the comforting sound of a rapid heartbeat. Soon, you were lowered onto the sand, and a large hand cupped both sides of your cheeks. Blinking, you focused on the figure before you, recognizing Jungkook's deep, dark eyes.
Gradually, the intensity of your dizziness began to subside, and you heard Jungkook's concerned voice asking if you were alright. With a slight nod, you managed to respond, "I'm okay, just got dizzy," as you noticed Taehyung and Jimin in the water, their attention now directed towards your side.
Beside you, the others remained in their respective positions, oblivious to what had transpired. Grateful for Jungkook's discreet assistance, you appreciated his unobtrusive approach, knowing how much you disliked drawing attention to yourself.
"I figured as much," Jungkook responded calmly. "It was probably the sudden movements Jimin made with you, coupled with the strong sun. It's difficult not to be affected by it."
Expressing your gratitude, you thanked him sincerely. "Thank you for helping me. I didn't want to alarm the others by saying I felt unwell."
Jungkook shook his head in dismissal. "It wasn't your fault. They shouldn't have been playing with you so roughly."
"It's alright. I know they didn't mean any harm," you assured him.
Jungkook, who had crouched down in front of you, let out a snort. "They're grown men. They should know better than to be so reckless."
As Jungkook rose with a determined expression, his gaze shifted towards where Taehyung and Jimin continued to play carelessly in the water. A flicker of irritation crossed his features before he strode towards them with purposeful steps.
"Tae, Jimin!" Jungkook called out firmly, his voice laced with reproach. "You shouldn't play so roughly with Daisy. It was reckless and dangerous."
Taehyung and Jimin turned, surprised by the severity in Jungkook's tone. As he approached, the tension in the air became palpable.
"I'm sorry, Jungkook," Taehyung apologized, visibly chastened by his behavior. "We didn't think it would make her feel unwell."
"You should have considered it," Jungkook admonished, his tone firm yet composed. "Daisy is important to us, and we can't allow her to be put in harm's way because of careless play."
Jimin nodded silently, acknowledging his mistake as he approached you with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry, Daisy. It won't happen again," he promised earnestly.
Jungkook stood by your side, watching attentively as Taehyung and Jimin offered genuine apologies. While his anger was evident, there was also a sense of relief in seeing that they understood the gravity of the situation and were willing to correct their behavior. With a nod of approval, Jungkook decided to put the incident behind them.
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You woke up early the next day, the soft morning light filtering through the tent and the melodic chirping of birds outside preventing you from lingering in bed any longer. Currently, you were washing breakfast dishes alongside Yoongi.
"So, what happened yesterday afternoon?" Yoongi inquired, scrubbing a plate with focused attention.
"I got dizzy when the boys were in the water," you replied, drying some cups with a thoughtful expression.
Yoongi glanced at you from the corner of his eye, a mischievous glint in his gaze. "Just that?" His tone hinted at something more.
You nodded, puzzled by his insinuation. "Yeah?"
Your friend couldn't contain his amusement, a small chuckle escaping him. "So, I imagined Jungkook carrying you to the shore and then getting angrier than you because of Tae and Jimin's antics?"
Halting your dish drying mid-motion, you turned to face Yoongi, your expression a mix of surprise and disbelief. "Weren't you supposed to be asleep?"
Yoongi paused in his scrubbing, meeting your gaze directly. "Just answer," he urged, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
"It was nothing. I just got dizzy, and Jungkook pulled me out," you explained, feeling a pang of irritation. "And you're turning into a gossip."
Raising an eyebrow in response, Yoongi remained unfazed. "You didn't deny the last part of what I said."
"I don't have to. Those are just your assumptions. Jungkook was just concerned, nothing more," you defended, feeling the need to protect Jungkook's reputation.
Yoongi simply hummed in response. "If you say so," he conceded, his playful demeanor hinting that he might not be entirely convinced.
With that, the two of you immersed yourselves in your tasks and then returned to where the others were gathered.
Jimin and Tae were carrying some firewood, their arms laden with the dry branches they had gathered, while Namjoon was diligently cleaning up the area. You and Yoongi followed suit, setting down the items you had brought on a nearby table, while Yoongi left the remaining supplies to the side.
As Jimin caught sight of you both, he paused his task and greeted you warmly. "It's good that you're back! We need to talk," he said, his tone serious but friendly.
You walked over to join Namjoon's side, while Yoongi made his way towards Jimin.
"What's going on?" you asked, curious about the sudden call for discussion, while Tae settled down next to you, arranging your chair with a thoughtful gesture.
Since yesterday's incident, Taehyung and Jimin had been more attentive, perhaps feeling a bit guilty for not being more attentive to your needs during your moment of weakness.
Jimin took a seat on a plastic chair across from you, his expression earnest as he spoke alongside his boyfriend. "We wanted to see if everyone agreed to have the barbecue in the evening instead. That way, we can make lunch earlier and make the most of the day by spending time on the water," he proposed, glancing around at each of you for your input.
You nodded in agreement, along with Namjoon and Yoongi, acknowledging the plan for the evening barbecue.
Taehyung beamed with enthusiasm. "Great! When Kook comes back, we'll head to town to buy some charcoal for tonight," he announced cheerfully, reaching for a piece of bread to munch on.
Noticing your puzzled expression, Yoongi took the initiative to inquire, "Where did he go?"
"He went with Jiwoo to look for Hyung in the village," Taehyung replied casually, taking a bite of his bread without much thought.
The mention of "Hyung" caused you and Yoongi to exchange wide-eyed glances, a sudden sense of unease settling in.
Still struggling to comprehend, you voiced your question, "Hyung?"
This time, Jimin clarified, "Kang Hyung. You met him the other day, Daisy."
At the mention of Kang's name, you felt a knot form in your stomach. Kang? Was he really coming?
Feeling a mixture of disbelief and dread, you turned to Yoongi, silently sharing your apprehension.
"Didn't he say he couldn't make it?" Yoongi questioned, his tone betraying a hint of concern.
"Yeah, but he called us yesterday and said he didn't want to miss out on the fun," Taehyung chimed in, nonchalantly munching on his snack.
Sensing the need for privacy, you motioned for Yoongi to follow you, discreetly slipping away to a secluded spot behind some trees a few meters from where your friends were gathered.
"Did you know Kang was coming?!" you murmured, your voice a mixture of surprise and frustration.
Yoongi shook his head frantically. "I had no idea! Jimin told me all week that he wasn't coming!"
You leaned against the tree, feeling a surge of irritation. "What are we going to do?! That asshole did it on purpose!"
Nodding in agreement, Yoongi placed a reassuring hand on his chin, deep in thought. "He probably waited until the last minute to tell us so you wouldn't find out. He wanted it to be a surprise for you."
Letting out a frustrated sigh, you muttered, "Damn it! After all these years, he still knows how to push my buttons!"
"Calm down. Let's find a solution to this. We can't let him get away with it," Yoongi suggested, his hand resting reassuringly on your shoulder.
You nodded, taking a moment to collect your thoughts. "You're right. I can't get crazy now. Our friends are in danger."
"Okay. Now we have to figure out what he wants," Yoongi added, his voice tinged with determination. "We know he hates you and uses Jungkook as leverage."
"It's more than just hate," you replied thoughtfully, furrowing your brow in deep contemplation. "He has a wounded ego. When we were young, I used to outshine him in everything, and the turning point was when I called off my engagement with him."
Yoongi nodded, absorbing your words. "That was when you were 16 and dating Jungkook, wasn't it?"
You hummed in agreement. "That's right. But his resentment towards Jungkook runs even deeper because he sees him as a mere mortal. That's why he and his father used Jungkook against me years ago."
"Remind me of the deal again," Yoongi prompted, his expression serious.
"That I would erase Jungkook's memory and leave the coven, never to return," you answered, frustration evident in your tone.
Yoongi leaned back against the tree, his gaze fixed on you. "And what did you gain?"
You clenched your fist, a surge of anger rising within you. "They were supposed to leave Jungkook unharmed and leave my aunts alone," you explained tersely. "But apparently, they didn't uphold that damn part of the deal!" you exclaimed the last part, glancing over your shoulder to ensure that your outburst hadn't caught the attention of the others, who were engrossed in their own conversation.
"Kang knows that your weakness is Jungkook. It's his best chance against you," Yoongi stated, his tone grave. "We must find a way to extricate our friends from his grasp."
Yoongi was right. You needed to devise a plan to ensure your friends' safety amidst the conflict with Kang.
From what you had gathered, Kang was a former college classmate of Tae, Jimin, and Kook. This meant that he had seized the opportunity of your absence to reenter Jungkook's life, capitalizing on the fact that Kook didn't remember him and could form new connections with him.
You couldn't shake the feeling that Kang's proximity to Jungkook was no coincidence, and it certainly wasn't for benevolent reasons. Now, you needed to ascertain how much the boys knew about Kang to strategize how to distance him from them.
"Do you know who is the most loyal to Kang?" you inquired, recognizing the importance of identifying who was closest to him and thus would face the greatest challenge in breaking away.
"Taehyung," your friend replied without hesitation. "Jimin drifted apart from him shortly after college, so they don't typically keep in touch outside of work."
"What about Jungkook?" you inquired, your curiosity piqued.
Yoongi nodded thoughtfully. "Jungkook was close to him, from what Jimin told me. But about a year ago, Jungkook experienced a mental breakdown and embarked on a year-long trip. He returned when you saw him, but I heard that he has since narrowed his inner circle to only include Jimin and Tae as confidants."
"Do you know why Jungkook was affected, why he had to leave?" you pressed, sensing that understanding what had transpired could provide valuable insights.
Yoongi idly played with the stones, his brow furrowing in contemplation. "No idea. I've never met Jungkook in person, only heard about him. Jungkook was always busy and constantly on the move," he replied. "But I've overheard Jimin arguing with him many times. It seemed to revolve around Jungkook not feeling fulfilled with his life or something along those lines."
"Now you seem much more worried," Yoongi said solemnly. "A year ago, Jungkook fell into a state of depression, so the psychologist recommended a change of environment. That's why he decided to go away for the year and travel," he continued, his tone tinged with concern.
Feeling a pang of sadness, you realized you had no idea Jungkook was going through such a tough time. "But if it's of any comfort, because I know you're feeling down about it, I heard that the trip was good for him, and now he's doing better," Yoongi remarked, attempting to offer some solace. "Now we must deal with Kang's lunacy."
"I know. So if Tae is the closest to him, we have to find a way to make him distrust Kang," you replied, your mind racing with potential strategies. "That's assuming Kang hasn't enchanted any of them."
"Do you know how to detect if they're under a spell?" Yoongi inquired, his brow furrowed with concern.
"Yes, there are several methods, but it would be best to purify them and give them something like a talisman—disguised as a gift—so they don't suspect anything," you explained, already formulating a plan.
Yoongi nodded in agreement. "Perfect. Once we're back in the city, we'll take care of it. In the meantime, we need to act casual around Kang, so he doesn't suspect anything," he advised, emphasizing the need for caution. "Especially you, who seems to have a panic attack every time you encounter someone from your past," he added, pointing a finger at you with a knowing look.
You and Yoongi nodded in agreement, steeling yourselves for the inevitable as Jungkook's black car pulled up. As the doors opened, you braced yourself mentally for what was to come. Yoongi shot you a supportive look before sitting next to Jimin, who enveloped him in a comforting hug. The sound of conversations filled the air, building up to the moment you dreaded the most.
"Good morning, ___! Or as my friends love to call you, Daisy," came the familiar, arrogant voice from behind you. Your heart sank as you recognized the voice of the person you despised the most.
Taking a deep breath to steady yourself, you turned around to face him. There he stood, the epitome of arrogance, dressed impeccably in casual yet luxurious attire that accentuated his tall frame. His trademark arrogant smile adorned his face as he approached you, seemingly poised to give you a greeting kiss.
Swiftly, you evaded his advance, pretending to be engrossed in greeting Jiwoo and Jungkook, who had just arrived behind him. Jiwoo enveloped you in a hug as if she hadn't seen you just an hour ago at breakfast, and Jungkook offered a friendly wave.
Grateful for the distraction, you watched as Tae eagerly showed Kang around, excitedly detailing the day's plans for all of you. Despite your inner turmoil, you plastered on a smile and joined in the facade, determined to maintain the illusion of normalcy for as long as possible.
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Throughout the entire day, you found yourself unable to tear your gaze away from the newcomer. He seemed acutely aware of your accusing stare, yet he persisted in maintaining his facade of congeniality.
Observing the dynamics between Kang and your friends, you noted Jimin's relatively friendly demeanor towards him, while Jungkook remained mostly reserved, only engaging when directly addressed. Jiwoo appeared indifferent, barely acknowledging Kang's presence, while Namjoon actively avoided him altogether.
Confirming Yoongi's earlier observations, you couldn't help but notice Taehyung's unwavering adoration for Kang. He hung onto his every word, constantly seeking his company and eagerly participating in every activity suggested by Kang.
As evening descended, you found yourself seated around a campfire, sandwiched between Jiwoo and Taehyung. Kang, Jimin, and Taehyung engaged in conversation about business matters, while Namjoon and Yoongi delved into discussions about various rappers.
Feeling drained from the day's social interactions, you excused yourself from the group, craving solitude. Deciding to take a stroll around the nearby area, you sought solace in the quietude of nature, hoping to clear your mind amidst the tranquility of the surroundings.
Dusk had already settled, leaving only a scattering of distant lights on the horizon. Wrapped snugly in your thick sweater against the chilly breeze, you strolled along the path toward the lake shore. Grateful for the moon's gentle glow illuminating your way, you admired the clarity of the night, where only the moon and stars adorned the dark blue canvas above.
In your pocket nestled the camera Yoongi had gifted you on one of your birthdays, and you seized the chance to capture some photos of the serene scenery. However, your ultimate destination was the wooden dock, a mere few meters from the campsite. Upon reaching it, you settled onto the shore, allowing yourself to soak in the tranquility of the landscape before you.
Lost in your reverie, memories of youthful escapades with Jungkook flooded your mind. Together, you'd sneak away to the river near your childhood home, armed with a blanket and your favorite juices tucked in Jungkook's backpack, while you brought Aunt Binna's delectable cakes along.
The two of you would linger on the creaky wooden dock until dawn's first light, savoring each other's company and the anticipation of the new day, before stealthily slipping back home to evade detection. Lost in these cherished recollections, you failed to notice the insidious tendrils winding their way around your exposed leg, their icy touch sending shivers down your spine.
It wasn't until the clammy grip tightened and pulled you inexorably toward the water's edge that you snapped back to reality, too late to escape the impending danger lurking beneath the serene surface of the lake.
You let out a scream of surprise as you plunged into the freezing water. The creature pulling you seemed determined to guide you deeper. Frantically, you attempted to break free from its grasp, but its tentacles clung tightly to your leg. Despite your struggles, the diminishing air supply worked against you, leaving you fighting a losing battle against the relentless force dragging you downwards.
With a quick and precise gesture, you murmured ancient words of power as you channeled magical energy into the tentacles that trapped you.
A bright, burning light began to emanate from your outstretched hand, enveloping the tentacles in a magical flare. The tentacles twist and contort, their grip loosening under the impact of the release spell. With a final burst of energy, the tentacles disintegrate into a swirl of magical sparks, freeing you from their capture.
Just as victory seemed within reach, the resilient squid-shaped creature refused to yield.
Despite losing its tentacles, the monster relentlessly attacked you with its body, delivering a forceful blow that left you weakened and causing you to inadvertently swallow water.
As the sea monster's assault sapped your strength, panic and despair engulfed you. Struggling to maintain consciousness, water filled your lungs, blurring your vision and impairing your movements as you fought to stay afloat.
The water you had swallowed became an overwhelming weight on your chest, exacerbating your struggle to breathe. Each gulp of air grew shallower and more agonizing, as a sense of oppression engulfed you, threatening to overwhelm your consciousness.
With every passing moment, the suffocating sensation intensified, rendering each breath a desperate battle for oxygen. Aware that time was slipping away, you exerted every ounce of strength, attempting to break free from the sea monster's grasp and reach the surface before it was too late.
However, your efforts proved futile.
The last sight your eyes beheld was the blend of greenish and blue hues at the water's surface, as darkness descended upon you.
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Everything around you appeared blurry and confusing. Intense pain throbbed in your chest, accompanied by profound dizziness. You yearned to open your eyes but found yourself unable to, weakly blinking against the penetrating brightness that flooded your vision.
Amidst the haze, a voice murmured around you, yet comprehension eluded you. The words seemed distant, as though originating from another realm. Attempting to move, your muscles responded weakly, as if detached from your body.
Slowly, the chaotic symphony of sensations began to coalesce. A familiar voice, calm and steadfast, gently urged you to breathe deeply and let go.
With each inhalation, your lungs welcomed more air, infusing your body with renewed vigor. The pain in your chest ebbed away, supplanted by a sense of relief and tranquility. As clarity returned to your mind, fragmented memories flooded back: the frantic struggle underwater, the suffocating sensation, and finally, the descent into darkness.
You abruptly opened your eyes to Jungkook's anxious face hovering above you. His presence, warm and comforting, enveloped you, offering solace in his embrace. Wet strands of hair clung to his forehead, droplets cascading onto your face as he breathed unevenly, his neck chain grazing against you.
His expression oscillated between fear and relief, his lips red and swollen, a testament to the turmoil he endured. "My God, Daisy!" he uttered, pulling you closer in a tight embrace. "You scared me so much!"
Shock rendered you speechless, your arms limp and unresponsive. Jungkook continued to hold you close, his murmurs of relief washing over you like a soothing balm.
Momentarily setting aside your turmoil, you surrendered to the embrace, finding solace in his familiarity. Closing your eyes, you nestled against his neck, feeling a sense of home and security wash over you, a refuge from the chaos.
After a while, as the tension ebbed away, you reluctantly eased out of his embrace with his assistance, slowly sitting up as he supported you.
The moonlight bathed his face, casting a mesmerizing glow that accentuated his beauty, and you swore you had never met someone as beautiful as him.
"Fuck, Daisy, what happened?" Jungkook's furrowed brow betrayed his concern. "I came out for some air, and the next thing I know, you're plunging into the water!"
Caught off guard, you struggled to find words to explain, your thoughts still scattered from the ordeal. All you knew was that one moment you were sitting, and the next, a sea monster had dragged you under.
“I'm sorry," you murmured, your apology tinged with confusion.
Jungkook's expression softened with understanding. "It's not your fault," he reassured gently. "You just scared me half to death. I thought I was going to lose you."
Surprised, you raised an eyebrow. "Was it that serious?" you asked weakly, your throat still raw.
Jungkook nodded solemnly. "You ingested a lot of water."
Taking in your surroundings, a question formed in your mind. You fixed your gaze on Jungkook. "Did you see anything else when I fell?"
He shook his head. "I just saw you fall. What happened to you?"
Thinking quickly, you offered an excuse. "I fainted," you replied, maintaining composure.
Jungkook's expression filled with concern. "Are you sure you're okay? You weren't feeling well yesterday either."
"It's probably just anemia or something," you dismissed, though butterflies fluttered in your stomach at his worried gaze.
Jungkook clicked his tongue in disapproval. "You need to take better care of yourself," he scolded. "Don't brush it off so lightly."
A faint smile tugged at your lips at his familiar scolding tone, reminiscent of the old Jungkook.
"Okay," you acquiesced.
He arched an eyebrow. "I hope you keep your word."
You looked at him at his playful reprimanding tone. "What if I don't follow through?"
He smiled, showing a dimple in his cheek. "You don't want to upset me, dear Daisy."
You chuckled softly, "I'll do my best to take care, Jungkook. Can't have you worrying about me."
He raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "You better, Daisy. I'll be keeping an eye on you."
You smirked back, enjoying the banter. "Oh, I wouldn't have it any other way."
Now you got serious “Jungkook, I just want to say thank you," you said earnestly, meeting his gaze with sincerity. "If you hadn't been there, I don't know what would have happened."
His expression softened, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. "Hey, don't mention it. I'm just glad I could help."
You nodded, feeling a warmth spreading through you at his humility. "Still, I owe you one," you added, your voice tinged with gratitude.
Jungkook chuckled softly. "Well, I'll keep that in mind. But for now, let's just focus on getting you feeling better, okay?" You nodded, grateful for his concern, and as you sat together under the moonlight.
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Hidden in the darkness, Kang Hyung observed the scene between you and Jungkook from afar, his anger simmering beneath the surface. His meticulously crafted plan had crumbled before his eyes. He had intended for you to be involved in an accident, hoping either for your demise or, at the very least, for you to emerge significantly weakened and vulnerable. However, Jungkook, that insufferable Prince Charming, had intervened, thwarting Kang's schemes yet again.
Jungkook hadn't taken it into account in his plan. Kang believed the spell you cast on Jungkook to erase his memories of you was powerful, but apparently the true love shit was true.
Because even though Kang Hyung put thousands of women in Jungkook's path and even tried his best to match the man with Jiwoo's rich bitch, Jungkook couldn't go crazy in love like he did with you.
His plan unfolded seamlessly just as you, by the campfire, excused yourself to seek solace alone. Kang waited a reasonable interval before summoning sea beasts, aware of your affinity for water and assuming you'd be nearby. However, he hadn't accounted for Jungkook's attention being diverted towards you. Jungkook, biding his time until everyone was distracted, stealthily followed your path. Witnessing Jungkook pursue you, Kang had to act swiftly. He made an excuse to leave for the bathroom and dashed towards the lake, anticipating the sea monster's attack on you.
And the creature did attack you, but the bastard of Jungkook was quicker and chased after you. Like a clichéd hero, he pulled you out of the water and even revived you with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Now, you two shared a magical moment akin to a scene from a romantic movie. Kang, seething with envy, desired to intervene and sabotage everything. He contemplated hurling a fireball or manipulating water against the two of you. Seeing you both so blissfully happy only fueled Kang's hatred towards you both.
You two were the cause of Kang's failure years ago; he wasn't about to let history repeat itself. No, Kang vowed to take control and ruin your lives irreversibly. He intended to manipulate Jungkook against you, knowing precisely how to inflict maximum pain upon you. Now, all that remained was to execute his plan. He composed himself, treating this as a mere rehearsal for the inevitable moment of truth. Kang was determined to make you repent and suffer, and nothing, not even Satan himself, would stand in his way.
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taglist; @seokout @wobblewobble822
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nxwbon · 2 months
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The Pale Elf and the Witch of Waterdeep - Part One
(ASTARION X OC)
Warnings: Violence, Blood, Gore, Slow Burn, Sexual Tension, Eventual Smut
Word Count: 2105
Synopsis: After a dreadful tragedy takes place at Blackstaff Academy, Sana Torleth, overcome with shame and guilt, is forced to flee her home city of Waterdeep. Settling in a tiny village on the outskirts of Baldur's Gate, she takes on a new identity, hoping to forget her past and the dark powers she unleashed.
However, fate has other plans when she is abducted by Mind Flayers, marking the beginning of a harrowing journey brimming with danger, secrets, betrayal, and perhaps, most unexpectedly, love. Unbeknownst to Sana, this path may lead her to a newfound appreciation of the abilities she once thought cursed.
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(Six Years before the events of Baldur's Gate III)
The piercing screams and wails of my fellow students filled my ears, a symphony of pain and terror that I couldn't help but relish. As I soaked in the carnage, my dark eyes darted around the clearing like those of a feral cat, chest heaving. Warm blood trickled down my face, glistening in the pale moonlight.
Next to me, a young Tiefling girl lay in agony. Wide eyes, reflecting a mix of fear and confusion, stared up at the night sky. Her breaths were ragged, desperate gasps as she feebly clawed at my ankle, seeking a futile salvation.
I found myself captivated, almost hypnotically so, by the blood spilling from the deep wound in her side. It painted her cream-colored robes and the leaf-strewn earth in a stark, macabre contrast. A primal hunger awoke within me at the sight. My thoughts wandered, unbidden, to the forbidden allure of tasting her warm, raw flesh. As this morbid curiosity grew, my mouth involuntarily watered, and my heart pounded with anticipation.
I hunched over the Tiefling, my senses engulfed by the roaring torrents within my head, and I prodded the injury with a finger. She whimpered, feebly attempting to swat my hand away.
"Sana!" Professor Yesran's voice pierced the air, high-pitched and fraught with tension. There was a palpable tremble in her call. This display of vulnerability from the usually composed professor was not just surprising; it was deliciously amusing.
A feral growl slipped from my lips as I returned to my feet, my movements slow and deliberate, my body twisting to confront Yesran, who stood solemnly in the shadow of the ancient willow. My lips curved into a mischievous grin, sparked by the palpable tension emanating from my mentor. In a playful act of defiance, I extended my tongue, a bloodied fingertip brushing against it, tracing the sweet, metallic flavor over my taste buds.
Behind Yesran, the imposing figures of Froud and Ervaris emerged, both esteemed Professors and skilled masters of the weave, their hands alight with the shimmering, blue sparks of electricity. At the sight of them, my smile morphed into a rebellious scowl. I could feel my own energy welling within, simmering like molten lava under my skin, until brilliant violet flames erupted from my hands, bathing the clearing in a sinister light.
"Sana, I implore you," Yesran pleaded, her hands reaching out in a gesture of peace as she cautiously stepped forward, the depth of her worry tangible in the charged atmosphere. Her large, green eyes held mine with an intensity that conveyed a myriad of unspoken emotions. "What transpires between us is veiled in uncertainty, yet I hold firm to one conviction—this is not the path you were destined to follow, my child."
Before I could formulate a response, a voice not entirely my own, yet emanating from deep within me, began to rise. It started as a whisper, coalescing from the depths of my being, growing in strength until it resonated with the power of a tempest. "You know not of what destinies are woven," it thundered, its resonance so profound that the very earth beneath us seemed to quiver in response. "I am the Sovereign of Murder, the Arbiter of the Dead Three, and I lay my claim upon this child shrouded in darkness. Within her beats the heart of my legacy, the Dark Thread—a lineage she is destined to fulfill. She will carve a swath of destruction and despair across this realm. Let those who would oppose her seek refuge in their faith, for they will find no solace against the storm to come."
The echo of Bhaal's ominous declaration lingered in the air, leaving behind a throbbing pain that pulsed through my skull. Collapsing to my knees, the once fierce flames that danced upon my palms died away, snuffed out by the cold embrace of the damp earth beneath me. My hands sank into the mud, grounding me in the chilling reality of my actions. A wave of realization hit me with the force of a physical blow, leaving me gasping for air.
My mind was a maelstrom of turmoil, each thought and emotion colliding with the next in a tumultuous storm of guilt, fear, and bewilderment. The magnitude of my actions weighed heavily upon me - those I had harmed were once my peers, my friends. A bitter taste of bile assaulted my senses, searing my throat as I fought to contain it. Despite my efforts, blackened sickness spilled from my lips.
As it subsided, I coughed, glanced to my side, the young Tiefling lay silent, unmoving, her eyes now white and glassy, frozen in a perpetual expression of terror. She was gone. Tears began to stream down my face, the cold air making them sting upon my cheeks. The Tiefling was not the only one. Others lay scattered about, draped in blood, limbs torn asunder, while a few were eerily silent amidst the cacophony of screams and agony that filled the air.
Professor Yesran approached me, her steps measured amidst the chaos, while Professors Froud and Ervaris rushed to aid the wounded, their hands weaving through the air as they cast spells of healing in a desperate bid to stanch the bleeding and mend the broken. The clearing, once a place of learning, had transformed into a battlefield, marked by the violence I had wrought.
Yesran collapsed to her knees before me. I continued to sob, unable to bring myself to meet her gaze, the weight of my guilt anchoring my eyes to the ground.
Her hand reached out, a gesture so gentle it felt alien in the midst of such devastation. The moment her fingers brushed my chin, the instinct to recoil from the touch was overwhelming. Yet, something in her persistence, the softness of her approach, compelled me to relent. I allowed her to guide my face upward, though the battle within me raged on, fighting to divert my eyes from the confrontation of her gaze.
"Sana, what do you remember, my dear?" Yesran asked, her voice a gentle caress that beckoned me to look into her eyes. When I did, I found not the anger I feared, but a profound sadness that mirrored my own.
"Everything!" The words escaped me in a gasp, a deluge of memories flooding back in vivid, merciless clarity. What had started as just another day in our routine dueling class spiraled into chaos the moment I deflected an incoming spell. Panic and power had surged through me, uncontrolled and wild.
I recalled the moment a ball of fire erupted from my hands, aimed at Augustus Draven. The horror of watching it pass right through him, as if he were no more substantial than a wisp of smoke, haunted me. Then there was Lilly Bandal, the half-elf. Her screams echoed in my ears, a sound so filled with pain and terror it threatened to fracture my soul. I had watched, detached, as she was impaled on a sharp branch, her body slumping in a grotesque display of my unchecked power.
Malri Adrin's face flashed through my mind, his eyes wide with fear as he pleaded for his life, a plea I coldly ignored. And Lensa, the Tiefling girl, her presence at the academy so brief she barely had time to unpack her bags. She had been here for only a week, a new beginning cut tragically short.
Each memory was a blade, slicing through the remnants of the person I once believed myself to be. The weight of my actions, the lives I had shattered with a power I didn't understand.
The urge to flee overtook me, a desperate need to escape, to distance myself from anyone I could harm. I couldn't bear the thought of deserving forgiveness, not when the possibility that I was a spawn of Bhaal loomed over me, a shadow darkening my very existence. The thought of continuing to live, of potentially unleashing more destruction, was unbearable. Rejecting Yesran's comforting touch, I pushed her hand away, and the ache that followed felt deeper than physical pain. She had become like the mother I never had, and the thought of her witnessing my fall from grace was a torment all on its own. "Sana!" she cried out, but her voice was a fading echo as I forced myself to stand, ignoring the stiffness in my legs, and ran.
The forest's darkness enveloped me, a fitting shroud for the turmoil within. As I darted through the trees, the faces of those I had hurt haunted me—their screams, their pain, branding me a monster, a vile creature deserving of condemnation. Branches clawed at my robes, tore at my skin, each scratch a token of penance. I deserved every lash, every reminder of the pain I had caused.
Raised on tales of the Harpers, my lineage was said to be one of nobility, rooted in a modest but proud heritage of wizardry and populated by folk heroes of valor and integrity. The realization that I, presumed to be the progeny of such illustrious and honorable forebears, could harbor within me a force as malevolent as the Dark Thread was not just a bitter pill to swallow—it was a revelation that upended everything I thought I knew about myself. It mocked the very essence of the heritage I cherished.
Drawn inexorably toward the sea's call, I found myself on the precipice of Blackjaw Cliff, where the relentless crash of waves against sharp rocks whispered promises of peace from the battle that raged within me. A single, daring leap offered a swift end, a final escape from darkness I harbored.
As the edge of the cliff crumbled beneath my tentative steps, the reality of my decision weighed heavily upon me.
"Don't do this, Sana," Yesrin's voice called as she emerged from the forest, her appearance disheveled. Twigs and leaves clung to her silver hair, a testament to her haste and desperation to reach me.
"You can't help me," I whispered back, barely loud enough to be heard over the wind. "We both know the darkness within me will only grow, consuming everything in its path—me, you, all of Waterdeep. It's better to end this now, before the darkness has a chance to spread further." My words hung between us. "This is the only way,"
"No!" Desperation lent Yesrin's aged limbs a grace and speed that belied her years. She lunged towards me, her hand outstretched in a futile attempt to bridge the distance that fate had cruelly imposed between us.
But it was too late. The ground beneath my feet gave way, collapsing like the last vestiges of hope, and I was airborne, embraced by the void. Yesrin's anguished scream melded with the rush of air and the roar of the sea, a haunting symphony that marked my descent into the abyss.
Terror gripped me as I fell, the wind howling in my ears, a relentless roar that seemed to mock my plight. The world spun, a maelic whirl of sky and sea and earth, each second stretching into an eternity of fear and regret. Thoughts raced through my mind, a storm of what-ifs and if-onlys, but above all, an overwhelming sense of dread.
The air, once a roaring companion in my descent, fell silent as I neared the end. Then, impact—a brutal, unyielding collision with the jagged rocks below.
The pain was immediate and overwhelming, a searing, all-consuming force that obliterated every other sensation. My body, caught in the merciless embrace of the crashing waves, bore the full wrath of gravity's decree. Bones shattered with a violence that echoed through the marrow, while skin and flesh bore mute witness to the unforgiving texture of the stone.
In that moment, time fractured, each second a lifetime of agony. The world spun wildly, a chaotic dance of light and shadow, until slowly, a creeping darkness began to edge its way into my vision. Sounds—the water, the distant cries of seabirds, even the fading echo of Yesran's despair—dulled, as if muffled by a great distance.
The darkness thickened, drawing closer with the inexorable pull of a tide. I fought against it, a desperate struggle to cling to the shards of consciousness that remained, but it was a losing battle. The edges of my vision blurred, then darkened, until all that remained was a void, devoid of pain, of fear, of thought.
And then, nothing.
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greatpestilenz · 9 months
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The Weight of Pretense - Senku Ishigami x Reader
  You and Senku Ishigami found yourselves entangled in a web of pretend, acting as a couple to maintain a façade. The arrangement was born out of necessity, a strategic move to protect your lives and the bonds you held dear. But deep down, in the recesses of Senku's heart, he yearned for something more.
  Every touch, every smile exchanged in the public eye, weighed heavy on his chest. The knowledge that your affection was nothing more than a charade tormented him, tugging at the strings of his unrequited love. Yet, he remained steadfast, silently nursing his unattainable desires.
  Through countless endeavors, Senku admired your intellect, your resilience, and the unwavering determination that sparked within you. But his admiration had grown into something more profound, a love that ignited a yearning deep within his soul.
  As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, Senku found himself lost in the labyrinth of his emotions. The thin line between pretense and reality blurred, leaving him desperate for a taste of genuine affection from your lips.
  But the rational part of Senku's mind warned him of the futility of his desires. Your lives were intertwined in a delicate dance of survival, a dance that left no room for the intricate steps of love and devotion. He couldn't risk jeopardizing the harmony you had created, even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness.
  In the silent moments, when you lay beside him, Senku's gaze lingered on your sleeping form. His hand twitched, yearning to caress your cheek, to memorize every curve and contour. But he held himself back, the weight of reality pressing upon his shoulders.
  He knew that confessing his true feelings would only complicate matters, pushing you away and disrupting the equilibrium you had worked so hard to maintain. So, he buried his emotions beneath a facade of indifference, protecting his heart and yours in the process.
  But the ache remained, a constant reminder of the love he kept locked away, hidden from prying eyes. The moments of solace, when he was alone with his thoughts, were both a balm and a torment. In those stolen seconds, he allowed himself to indulge in the fantasy of what could have been.
  Yet, as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, the weight of pretense grew heavier. It became harder for Senku to differentiate between the lines of truth and fiction. The longing for a genuine connection gnawed at his soul, tearing down the barriers he had so meticulously constructed.
  One day, as you walked side by side, Senku's voice trembled with an underlying vulnerability. "You know, Mc, sometimes I wish... I wish our fake relationship was real."
  Your steps faltered, and you turned to him, searching his eyes for a glimpse of sincerity. But all you found was a wall, a barrier erected to protect both of you from the chaos of unrequited love.
  "I understand, Senku," you replied, your voice tinged with a mixture of sympathy and sadness. "But we made this choice to keep everyone safe. It's for the best."
  His lips curved into a bittersweet smile, his gaze dropping to the ground. "Yes, I know," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's just... sometimes, I wish for something more."
  The words hung in the air, a silent confession of desires left unfulfilled. In that moment, you both understood the weight of the path you had chosen, the sacrifices made in the name of survival.
  With heavy hearts, you continued forward on the path of pretense, each step a reminder of the love that could never be fully realized. Senku pushed his feelings aside, burying them deep within his heart, while you maintained the act of a couple, never allowing yourself to waver.
  Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, but the ache within Senku's heart remained. He watched from the sidelines as you interacted with others, a smile playing on your lips as you carried on with the charade. Each moment was a double-edged sword, simultaneously filling him with joy and torment.
  As time passed, the facade became second nature, the lines between truth and falsehood blending seamlessly. It became harder for Senku to distinguish the genuine moments from the ones woven in pretense. But through it all, he kept his feelings locked away, his love hidden beneath layers of rationality.
  And yet, despite the pain that lingered, Senku found solace in the knowledge that you were by his side. The bond you shared, even if based on a lie, provided a sense of comfort and familiarity. It was a reminder that, in this chaotic world, you were his ally and confidant.
  But as much as Senku tried to convince himself that this was enough, that your presence alone was worth the sacrifice, a part of him yearned for something more—a love that transcended pretense, a connection that held no strings.
  Yet, he couldn't bring himself to disrupt the delicate equilibrium you had established. So, he continued on, his love burning silently, concealed from the world and from you.
  In the depths of his heart, Senku knew that he had made the right choice. It was a sacrifice he willingly made for the safety and well-being of those he held dear. And though he couldn't have the love he desired, he found solace in the knowledge that you were safe, that you were by his side.
  But in the quiet moments, when the world around him was still, Senku couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if fate had intertwined your lives in a different way. A world where the love he yearned for could be expressed freely, without fear of consequence.
  Yet, in the midst of his longing, Senku found strength in his commitment to the path he had chosen. He would continue to protect you, even if it meant sacrificing his own desires. Because sometimes, love meant putting the needs of others above one's own, and Senku was determined to fulfill that role.
  So, with a heavy heart and a quiet resolve, Senku walked beside you, carrying the weight of his unspoken love. And in his silence, he hoped that you would find happiness, even if it couldn't be with him.
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kimdokjas · 1 year
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Hi~ I binge-read orv webtoon today and I have just finished. I came to Tumblr to know more about the fandom and I realised that people ship Dokja with Joonghyuk. I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting that. I thought their "flirty"(? interactions were just some sort of fan service or silly jokes. Is there anything in the novel that implies a relationship between them? Or maybe something that I missed in the webtoon? (I struggle with picking up social cues, especially romantic cues)
I hope this ask doesn't upset you, you were one of the top orv blogs that Tumblr showed me
(also, I apologize for my bad English, it isn't my first language)
Wait I'm one of the top orv blogs??? 💀💀💀 But for sure, I don't mind at all, anon! I love having an excuse to rant about orv <3
To preface this: yes, most of the heavier joongdok content comes until later in the novel, but there ARE some highlights in the webtoon as well so far.
I think most of the appeal of early joongdok interactions in the webtoon comes from the enemies to lovers vibe they have going on. Picture KDJ hyperfixating on his single favorite character for 10+ years, through every up and down of his life. In his narration during their FIRST meeting he explicitly says:
I liked you, hated you, resented you, and cheered for you. I was with you throughout your three-thousand episode journey. (webtoon ch. 12)
AND THEN. He finds out his favorite blorbo comes to life and proceeds to annoy him until he starts choking him over a bridge with a sunset backdrop like something out of a romance drama. It's all about the tension and subversion of expectations 🤌
Their relationship is very much a slowburn. YJH very reasonably distrusts KDJ at first (due to some past trauma) but we do see him gradually start to warm up to KDJ as the story progresses.
One of the main highlights is during ch. ~100 in the Disaster of Floods scenario. When KDJ sacrifices himself for YJH, he proceeds to freak out, tries to save him even when he knows it's futile, and refuses to kill him for coins even when YJH is often largely pragmatic in his interactions with others. We're told that YJH pretty much never uses the word "companion" because it holds too much meaning for him and he's never acknowledged KDJ as such, even though KDJ insists they're "life and death companions" (which is already pretty damn poetic if not romantic imo). But when Shin Yoosung asks who KDJ is to him, YJH says:
"That guy. He is my companion." (ch. 102)
(This got translated as "a companion of mine" in the webtoon but the novel is where it's at.) And keep in mind this is also an actual quote from the novel btw:
The weight of this word, 'companion', was too great for Yoo Joonghyuk. (ch. 12)
However, as I mentioned, their relationship only really starts to develop until later in the novel. To be clear, there's no explicit romance in orv–which I personally really appreciate because it opens up the floor instead to flesh out all the platonic relationships all of the characters have with one another that are JUST as deep and profound.
But even so, joongdok is very much canon to me. I don't want to give too much away because I'd be spoiling the rest of the novel for you, but they really are cosmic soulmates meant for one another in a way that is so narratively profound and completely goes full circle. The lengths they go to for one another are actually insane and there's no doubt in my mind the love and devotion they feel for one another is real and simultaneously indescribable by mere labels.
I really hope you're planning on continuing to read the novel now that you finished the webtoon! I truly cannot recommend it enough. It is literally and unironically the single greatest piece of literature I've ever read and the journey is 100% worth it. Plus, the webtoon will take a long time to complete at the current rate so the only way to find out what happens next is by reading the novel 😉
Anyway, I hope this was somewhat helpful to you! I think it's really admirable that you're trying to search for a different interpretation from your own. There's a saying in orv by one of the characters: "Read it again", and the intention there is that by rereading (or looking at things again in a new light) you will always find new meaning even within the exact same text, as long as you're willing to look for it. So the fact that you're asking this question is very much in the spirit of orv itself <3
And this goes without saying but you're also completely free to interpret them in your own way as well!
(By the way, I highly advise you to blacklist the "orv spoilers" tag and try to tread with caution if you're searching for content! There are spoilers literally EVERYWHERE and while orv is still very much enjoyable even with spoilers, all the reveals won't hit as hard–trust me. There really is so much that can be spoiled.)
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bl00dyard · 6 days
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In the depths of night, I feel the ache, A heart torn apart, shattered and worn, Each beat a reminder of love's cruel game, Like shards of glass, piercing through my chest, I reach out, desperate to mend the fracture, But the pain remains, relentless and unbound.
Through sleepless nights, my mind remains unbound, Haunted by memories of love's sweet ache, I try to mend the pieces of the fracture, But the scars remain, a testament worn, Each heartbeat a reminder of the pain in my chest, As I navigate the ruins of love's cruel game.
In dreams, I search for solace, a respite from the game, But the specter of heartache follows, unbound, A heavy weight upon my chest, Each breath a struggle, each sigh an ache, As I carry the burden of love's wounds, worn, And attempt to heal the fracture.
But healing seems impossible, the fracture, A gaping chasm born of love's cruel game, Each attempt to mend it futile, worn, As the pieces scatter, scattered and unbound, I am left to bear the weight of heartache, A heavy burden upon my chest.
Yet still, I long for release, for the ache, To find peace amidst the wreckage of the game, To mend the fracture, to be unbound, From the chains of love's cruel game, But until then, I carry the weight, worn, A broken heart, heavy in my chest.
So I wander through the darkness, my chest Aching with the weight of heartache, Seeking solace in the pieces worn, Trying to make sense of love's cruel game, Hoping to find a way to become unbound, And mend the fracture.
But for now, I am left with the ache, A fractured heart, heavy in my chest, Bound by love's cruel game, worn and unbound.
-
tried a new kind of poem called a Sestina. I hope I did well for you, Angel (〃▽〃)
-💞
this sestina is ,, deep. i adore it , and it feels so close. reading this has made me feel like staring at a mirror ,, i felt each and every word all too well. i don’t even know what to say other than it’s as beautiful as the ache, and as profound as the heartbreak. the way you’ve written this feeling so gracefully and eloquently ,, i’m truly mesmerized. i kept reading it, i couldn’t stop once i felt it ,, because i know, and it feels comforting to see how you’ve written something that brings light to the emotions i’ve felt and couldn’t put to words even if i tried ,, it feels so comforting , despite the ache , and that’s the beauty of it all ,,
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kazekamis · 3 months
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[ passionate ] oh u know it's c.hiscara time <3
𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐦𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. the air grows heavy with tension as the eleventh approaches ; thickening as the world around Scaramouche fades into inconsequentiality. the balladeer's very existence is ( & has always been ) consumed by ache , treachery & sorrow … the notion of love & care remaining an everlasting riddle, eventually dismissed as a breakable fallacy. until his lips sense that all-consuming kiss. / suddenly, triggering an overwhelmingly distressing warmth, a sickeningly sweet fire that ignites deep within his stomach. truth to be told … he has never been particularly fond of Childe, never understood the guy ; repeatedly failing to comprehend the appeal of his … humanity. & yet : his body crosses him repeatedly, violently, whenever it reacts to his voice, his scent, his touch … an annoyance the puppet struggles to comprehend. IT IS EXASPERATING.
𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐦 , stirring a long-dormant yearning buried deep beneath layers upon layers of who he is. the kiss is a forceful collision of raw, unabashed desire & overpowering passion that ; mercilessly ruining every single one of the balladeer's senses as Tartaglia’s strong hands secure him & his own pull the man closer. for an ephemeral instant, the fortified walls surrounding who he is crumble , slowly revealing the vastness of profound loneliness, a feeling that wears Scaramouche down with exhaustion. / stupefaction wrestles with deeply ingrained beliefs, — exposing the pulse that quickens despite all else —, contradicting the forbearing & prudently composed facade he, ever so forcefully, maintains. ⸻ futilely blaming this surge of emotion on rage, a consequence of their opposing purposes & incessant confrontations.
𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐲𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 ; Scaramouche is forced to confront the stubborn foundation of all his beliefs. the relentless nuisance he harbours towards Childe entwines with a dangerous concoction of both infatuation & dread ; a tumultuous maelstrom of emotions churning rebelliously within his very essence, threatening to dismantle the intricately constructed world he has painstakingly built. / someone like the balladeer shouldn't seek solace ( however evanescent it may be ) in someone else's arms. he shouldn't allow his fingers to traverse the expanse of Childe's form … he shouldn't savour the lingering taste of him upon his tongue ... he shouldn't enjoy the sounds & warmth of his breathlessness against his parted lips … he shouldn’t …
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𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 , the puppet swiftly retreating into the familiar amour of stern indifference. palms that only moments ago delicately threaded across Tartaglia's hair now push him away with brusque force. he may not understand love … but he does know the perils of interlacing himself in feelings that only further complicate his account. to acknowledge these deceitful feelings … would be to expose a defenselessness he simply cannot afford. not now. not ever. ⸻ not when his destiny has predetermined treason.
❛ Get out of my room. ❜ the words are coldly spit, his voice laced with venom ; & he’s hoping they're sufficient to sever the fragile connection they pithily shared … alas, ever too conscious that they will ( probably never ) be enough.
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𝑫𝑰𝑭𝑭𝑬𝑹𝑬𝑵𝑻 𝑾𝑨𝒀𝑺 𝑻𝑶 𝑲𝑰𝑺𝑺 𝑺𝑶𝑴𝑬𝑶𝑵𝑬. no longer accepting , @ascendedstar
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firstkeptdaughter · 3 months
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“Letting someone see you that vulnerable, it’s a scary thing.”
There she is. Oriana. She still has the same eyes as she did nineteen years ago when Miranda held her in her arms, a frail, small infant back then. Looking into the young woman’s face is almost like staring into a mirror; they’re identical. Genetically. But Oriana looks different, regardless, with an expression in those otherwise identical eyes of someone who hasn’t seen the kind of things that Miranda has. Fortunately.
Miranda made sure of that, those nineteen years ago, by saving her sister from her father. It’s a decision she will never come to second guess.
Miranda instinctively smiles as she looks at her sister. And just, like Oriana did as a baby, she returns that smile in an instant. Her adoptive parents are with her, loving parents that Miranda carefully chose because Oriana only deserved the best. She’s done it. She’s given Oriana everything that she could never have. A normal family, a normal life, friends.
Then, she turns to leave. The movement feels as if one of two magnets attracted to each other were pushed back with such force to prevent them from touching. It took every bit of strength she had in her to leave Oriana. Memories of the moment when she, a sixteen-year-old girl, had to leave Oriana behind, come to the surface. It had been the most heart-wrenching decision of her life.
“It’s for the best”, Miranda asserted. “Oriana has a normal life. I’ll just complicate that for her. The less she knows about me, the better.”
She cannot hide that insecurity in her voice. Miranda wants to sound pragmatic, but she can’t. The desire to get to know the sister she had been watching over from a distance for nineteen years is palpable in her voice. Shouldn’t she? Miranda couldn’t imagine the happiness from even just one conversation with Oriana, but how selfish would it be? Once she became part of Oriana’s life, there was no return.
But, if she stayed, she would hurt Oriana sooner or later, wouldn’t she? She wasn’t like her sister. Miranda had a reputation for being ruthless and cold and in a way, it was true. As much as she loathed Henry, Miranda saw parts of him inside her. And she couldn’t let Henry near Oriana. That extended to the parts within her.
Yet, for some reason, her squadmate manages to convince her to talk to Oriana. With a few mere words. Normally, it takes a chain of well-funded arguments to convince Miranda of something, and even that could prove futile. But when Kaidan argues that Oriana should know she has a sister out there who loves her, Miranda merely nods. “You’re right”, she speaks, softly, her voice not resembling her usual tone one shred. It’s strangely tender.
It’s only when she returns, she notices that her cheeks are wet with tears. Had Kaidan noticed? Hopefully not. She wasn’t comfortable crying around people. It’s the reason why she has avoided looking into Kaidan’s face since laying eyes on Oriana.
“We’re done here”, Miranda declares, back in her usual professional, authoritative tone. As if she didn’t just go through one of the most meaningful experiences of her life. “Oriana is safe. My father won’t be able to track her down anymore.” She assured, with her back still turned towards her squadmate. With a subtle movement, she wipes away the tears from her face with the sleeve of her catsuit. Then she takes a deep breath and turns to Kaidan.
She’s about to tell him they should head back to the ship, but then Kaidan speaks up.
“Letting someone see you that vulnerable, it’s a scary thing.”
Damnit. She wants to huff, or roll her eyes, but she can’t. The lieutenant and his tendency to say such profound things in the rare moment where it has the capability to affect Miranda.
In any other circumstances, she would’ve shot back with a witty remark. Something along the lines of her not being vulnerable. But in those very circumstances right now Miranda isn’t able to come up with anything like that.
“I guess so..”, she hesitantly agrees, crossing her arms in defensiveness. “I’m not good with ‘vulnerable’. Typically I can solve my problems through more scientific approaches - or with a simple bullet.” She quipped wryly.
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layfeys · 3 months
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AVARICE ; coriolanus snow
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-ˋˏ series masterlist ★ ao3 ★ wattpad ˎˊ-
PAIRING: coriolanus snow / f!oc
SUMMARY: virgilia snow, née lucris. panem’s first lady, a wretched girl turned a wretched woman. always an afterthought, never a choice—until lucy gray is gone, and coryo takes virgilia as his.
farewell, lucy gray, we hardly knew you.
WORD COUNT: 0.8k
AUTHOR'S NOTE: this literally only has a short lil ficlet of a chapter and my plans for it are uhhhhh *checks notes* fuck it we ball 😁🙌
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I hadn’t always been Virgilia Snow, Panem’s First Lady, the Capitol’s prized jewel. 
Once, I was Virgilia Lucris, a wealthy girl with a gentle disposition and uncomplicated thoughts. I dreamt of opulent corridors and luxurious dresses. Always polite, never daring to voice my thoughts, offering only a kind smile and a few words. In those days, I was hopeful and naïve, yearning for romance—of clandestine glances, of fleeting brushes against fingertips and poorly hidden blushes.
Once, I was Lia, and he was Coryo—not Coriolanus, nor President Snow, but a man not consumed by power, whose heart wasn’t solely devoted to grand ambitions and bloodstained means.
Once, I was his dove. Pure and unsullied where he was filthy and worn. I had flung myself towards him as our union was announced, feeling my heart soar while his stayed resolute. I’d chosen to overlook his inner void, believing that he would be mine, ending my solitary days. All those moments of yearning from a distance, of suppressed laughter and racing heartbeats, would not be futile. He would claim me, and we would better Panem together.
I was once a foolish, foolish girl. 
The only rhythm his rotten heart could muster faded away alongside that wandering girl from District Twelve and her melodies of bluegrass. His heart was returned to me maimed and scarred, fortified by barriers and strewn with wires. Panem would grow to forget the victor of the tenth Games, but Coriolanus never did, and thus, neither did I. Dead or lost, free or bound, Lucy Gray Baird remained a persistent wedge, much like a blade lodged deep within flesh. The wound bled ceaselessly, a scorching flow, until my heart held nothing but bitter resentment toward everything my husband represented.
He was never truly mine, yet I would forever be tethered to him. As a wife, a warm body next to his, as property, a womb. For sixty years, those parts of me were his and his alone, yet my deepest longing was for something he could never give. 
His heart.
And, for a time, I was content with that. A sacrifice made willingly to claim him, to possess him in every capacity a wife could. Yet, he never surrendered himself as completely as I had. For this, I hated that Lucy Gray, and perhaps I would always hate her—but the envy was much stronger than any vitriol I could muster.
Once, Virgilia Lucris was gentle, doltish, meek. But even a worm will turn, and I became a Snow—his constant torment, a wretched mirror, reflecting off his broken pieces. A defiant, angry, wild thing I was. Each word he uttered I hurled back with equal force, and with the passing years, the gap between us widened and deepened, transforming from a mere arm’s reach to a yawning chasm and to a gaping gorge.
Once, I adored him with an unwavering, profound love. It consumed me, pushing the boundaries of reason until my fingers gripped at the fraying threads of sanity, kneeling until my knees were raw. The kind of love that blinded me to the horrors of the arenas, to the haunting cries of children soaked in blood, begging for mercy year after year after year. It was this love that brought forth a son, a successor to this tainted seat. It was the kind of love that coerced me into silence for years, biting my tongue until it bled, until I could contain myself no longer.
That profound, entrenched love twisted into a searing, vehement hatred—white-hot, fierce, with fangs and claws of its own—and perhaps, he, himself, preferred it as such. His smiles, repulsive in their nature, appeared as often as our daily conflicts, and I noticed his focus on me heightened when I spat venom to his face rather than when I once knelt at his feet.
And now, with unrest swelling in the Districts akin to a fever, rising like relentless waves that threaten to dismantle the Capitol until ash is all that remains, as I witness Coriolanus unraveling at his very core, I find myself unable to contain my laughter. It cleaves my face in two, etching creases across my cheeks and brow, while my bones ache from the sheer intensity of it and my throat forces me to cough and sputter. His hand quivers, almost reaching to strike me across the face, but his fingers hesitate, restrained at his side. It only fuels my laughter more, watching that untamed, frenzied glint in his eye as the girl from District Twelve incites chaos much like her predecessor did.
The depth of my loathing for him runs deep, like the veins beneath my flesh, like the breath inside my lungs. If his downfall means the Capitol being razed and overrun by rebels, I’d willingly allow it to occur—in an instant. Time and deeds eventually confront us all, and it appears Coriolanus’ history has finally caught up with him. Fight it as he might, the mockingjays sing a different song. It’s carried by the blowing winds, the spirit of uprising. A belated triumph, a fleeting conquest, yet nonetheless, a gratifying, bittersweet victory.
“Fire is catching, dear, isn’t that what the Mockingjay said? Fire is catching and we will all burn like we rightly deserve, but you… you will burn first.”
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layfeys © 2023 ⸺ i do not consent to my work being republished on other sites by second parties. do not copy, translate, or repost.
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cybercrime-blogs · 9 months
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Bhopal Tragedy: Family Of 4 Driven to Desperation By Cyber Hacking, Ends in Heartbreaking Suicide
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Bhopal Tragedy: A Tale of Desperation and Loss
In a deeply saddening turn of events, a family of four in Bhopal has chosen to end their lives, grappling with the harrowing consequences of cyber fraud and overwhelming financial strain. The heartbreaking incident unfolded as the husband and wife resorted to hanging themselves, while their innocent children, aged 8 and 3, were believed to have been poisoned. The weight of insurmountable debts and entanglement in an online scam scheme seemingly pushed them to this tragic decision.
The couple, who were employed by a private insurance company, had taken out a loan that they found themselves unable to repay. Police authorities revealed that their dire financial circumstances compelled them to resort to extreme measures, culminating in this devastating outcome. To ascertain the precise cause and time of death, all four bodies have been sent for postmortem examination.
Also Read: Cybercrime in Nagpur - Cyber Blackmailer Couple Arrested in Pune for Extorting Money
During the ensuing investigation, a suicide note was discovered at the scene, providing invaluable insight into the family's anguish and the chain of events that led to their untimely demise. Alongside this poignant letter, a packet of sulphate pills was also found, hinting at the method employed in the tragic act.
The contents of the suicide note shed light on the immense struggles endured by the couple, as they found themselves ensnared in a distressing web that spun out of control. It served as a poignant testament to their suffering and expressed deep remorse for the pain they inflicted upon their loved ones. The note outlined the husband's inadvertent involvement in an ill-fated online job opportunity that turned his life into a nightmarish ordeal.
According to the letter, in April, the husband received a message offering an online job with the promise of supplemental income. Compelled by his pressing financial needs, he made the fateful decision to accept the additional work. Initially, he experienced some financial gains, but soon found himself overwhelmed by an ever-increasing workload, eventually losing track of his investments.
The situation worsened when the company he worked for insisted that he take out a loan. Despite his already tarnished credit history, he reluctantly acquiesced to their demands. The husband candidly acknowledged his error in placing trust in the company and recounted the subsequent mounting pressure he faced from relentless loan recovery agents, who relentlessly harassed his family, friends, and colleagues. The note also lamented the husband's futile attempts to seek assistance from the Cyber Crime Office, which were tragically delayed due to a shortage of officers.
The tragedy that unfolded in Bhopal serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by individuals ensnared in the treacherous grip of cyber fraud and financial ruin. It highlights the dire consequences that can arise when vulnerable individuals are pushed to their limits, overwhelmed by seemingly insurmountable debts and a lack of avenues for recourse.
As we grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event, it is crucial for society to come together, not only to support the grieving families left behind but also to raise awareness about the dangers of online scams and the importance of accessible support systems for those facing financial crises. Only through collective efforts can we strive towards preventing similar tragedies and fostering a society where individuals do not feel compelled to take such desperate actions in the face of adversity.
Seeking Forgiveness and Hope
In their heartrending suicide note, the couple expressed profound remorse and extended heartfelt apologies to their family members, beseeching them for forgiveness. They were acutely aware of the anguish their actions would inflict and expressed a sincere desire for a brighter future for their loved ones. Their final plea was to spare their family members any further torment related to the burdensome loan and to ensure that their last rites would be performed together.
Unfolding Investigation
Law enforcement authorities are diligently pursuing a comprehensive investigation into the tragic incident. They are meticulously scrutinizing the authenticity of the suicide note and delving into the alleged online job opportunity that seemingly led to the family's downward spiral. The focus of their efforts is to identify the individuals or groups responsible for perpetrating the loan fraud and subjecting the family to the relentless harassment that ultimately culminated in this devastating end.
Also Read: Kashmiri Brother-in-Law could not show Kamal, and pressure on Nagpur police failed
Shedding Light on a Pervasive Issue
This distressing incident once again brings to the forefront the escalating problem of online fraud and the catastrophic repercussions it can have on individuals and families. It serves as a poignant reminder for individuals to exercise utmost caution and seek professional guidance before venturing into any dubious online schemes. Vigilance and awareness are crucial to safeguarding oneself and loved ones from falling victim to such treacherous traps.
Supporting Mental Health
It is of utmost importance to recognize that incidents of this nature are often rooted in profound mental anguish and despair. If you or someone you know is grappling with mental health challenges or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, it is essential to reach out for help immediately. Helplines and professional resources are readily available to provide the necessary support and assistance during such difficult times.
In the face of this heart-wrenching tragedy, it is our collective responsibility to extend compassion and support to the bereaved family. Moreover, as a society, we must strive to address the underlying issues that drive individuals to such extreme measures. By fostering awareness, advocating for mental health resources, and enhancing cybersecurity measures, we can endeavor to prevent similar devastating incidents and ensure a safer, more empathetic environment for all.
Source: https://www.the420.in/bhopal-tragedy-family-of-4-driven-to-desperation-by-cyber-hacking-ends-in-heartbreaking-suicide/
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tomsreviews · 1 year
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Hungarian The Blackened Doom Practitioners of Sír Bring Us A New Album!
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Sun and Moon Records is gearing up for the March 10th release from the Hungarian blackened doom practitioners of Sír. That album is named Your Star Will Collapse, and across the 6 songs, and a runtime of about 40 minutes, they will bring you a hefty dose of trad doom with a spattering of black metal for flavor. 
About Sír
According to their Bandcamp profile, Sír … 
"was founded at the end of summer 2020 as a medical treatment for the author. In the beginning there was only a conception: to express the futility of life and creation while admiring the beauty of nature’s destructive powers. These are common themes in metal lyrics and the author admittedly doesn't want to invent anything new, but those feelings come from a very profound mental state and the final result was like a cold shower to him. Healing through self caused suffering. 
Sír has an equivocal meaning. The most obvious one is grave, but also means crying. Together they represent grief, loss of a loved one, it is a deep emotional state. It has nothing to do with the undead or other fantasy themes, it's all about living people and their struggles."
Standout Tracks
As with almost any album, the first two tracks are among the strongest of the group. The first, "Cryptic Affinity", begins with a riff that brought Woods of Ypres to mind, it has that slight black metal feel but is more doom than anything. Some of the vocals have a bit of a Danzig sound, which fits in quite well in the spots that I heard it in, while the rest is mostly clean singing, with some black metal dirtiness making an appearance here and there. 
Track #2 is also the title track, "Your Star Will Collapse", and it is 7 minutes of ambient atmospheres mixed with black metal and doom. I found that the dynamics created by using two very different genre influences make for some nice highs and lows. These shifts are very important in creating music that isn't overly monotonous, and are one of the main things that I look for in any album. I also liked that there's a bit of Lee Dorian (Cathedral) influence during certain vocal spots. 
Coming in as the 4th song is "Machine/Pleasure", which begins with an extremely doomy riff and vocal approach, at times having an early Candlemass vibe to those vocals. This song runs for 7 minutes even, and is what I'd choose as my favorite on the album. My reason for that is a fairly simple one, there's a lot of doom, no noticeable black metal influences, and some cool synth-like sounds for flavor during the mid section. 
The last song is called "Weak and Arrogant", which brings in the black metal and doom approach that is a huge part of the Sír sound. I always gravitate towards the more doom centric tracks, and this song falls into that category. As a matter of fact, this song is on equal footing with "Machine/Pleasure", lots of doom riffs and closes out the album with nods to several 70s era heavy bands in the process.
Final Thoughts
Your Star Will Collapse is a cool album with a DIY vibe running throughout it. Sír is adept at mixing its influences into one blackened doom core, and the music comes across as authentic and excellent.
So head out to the Sun and Moon Records Bandcamp profile to check it out, while you're there you may also find other great bands on their roster. Enjoy!!!
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filmthiefreviews · 2 years
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Everything Everywhere all at Once (2022)
(Watched Sep 17th, 2022)
When I review movies on here, I typically like to express my knee-jerk reaction, re-read my own review, edit it a thousand times, and then completely forget about my original thoughts months later. However, when a movie like this comes along, I have to step back for a bit to gather my thoughts and formally write something that encompasses the full spectrum of my feelings. Maybe watch the film a few more times to solidify my thoughts and feelings. Perhaps it was a mistake to watch this movie as many times as I did, because it dominates my every thought. Perhaps I should watch it again and again and again.
My complete and utter adoration for this movie has resulted in me writing my longest film review ever. One that has inspired me to reincarnate my old movie review blog from my high school years. One that essentially boils down to this rambling, insufferable, self-indulgent essay. I will bloviate in my probably unnecessary recaps of the textual content of the film and over-analyze every aspect that I find profound or worth discussing (and there is a lot). I will probably reach inaccurate conclusions and be very redundant, and I will only have hyperbolic words of praise for it. If you choose to read this long-winded, obnoxious (nearly 2,500-word!) essay on my favorite movie, I hope that you understand that I wrote it for me as much as I wrote it for you.
To start, I must express that my absolute favorite kind of media always involves imaginative, interesting high-concept ideas as a backdrop to a thorough examination of characters, focusing heavily on their emotions and evolving philosophies. Needless to say, Everything Everywhere All At Once is all of that and more. A film that can go so far and so deep in every direction is more than deserving of the very title it boasts, and I have made it a point to tell anyone who may care that this is my new favorite film.
It is wholly appropriate that this film approaches a concept as maddening as multiverse theory by incorporating such a delightful aesthetic of eclecticism and chaos (an aesthetic I’ve become more familiar with having viewed more Daniels projects). Despite this aesthetic, however, it manages to utilize its overwhelming absurdity as a vessel in order to deliver a compelling argument that ruthlessly rejects the seemingly inevitable, creeping sensation of nihilism that may come when contemplating the endless chaos of existence. I find that this rejection goes further than many other films with similar philosophies, providing viewers with a solution to the impending despair: to accept that this is the nature of things and to share compassion and kindness with others in order to make the world better for everyone. It seems so small, so simple to say it like this, but the context of this film brings this idea forward so successfully that you cannot help but realize just how radical and powerful this idea truly is in the face of everything, everywhere, all at once.
The film’s recurring motif of circles—how everything connects with perpetuity, and the different ways in which each character’s relationship with this motif and its different iterations, meanings, and contexts—is brilliantly incorporated into the ideas that are being openly discussed. The human experience as we know it is rife with supposed and real perpetuity: laundry, taxes, marriage, love—everything. Like our clothes in the wash, we go in circles, again and again, repeating mistakes, revisiting what-ifs, kicking ourselves over the should-haves or the could-haves. You become so overwhelmed at the futility of trying in the face of the chaos that hope begins to seem impossible. The abject horror of this realization has the capability to absolutely destroy someone, to kick-start them down a careless path of destruction with innumerous collateral damage in their wake. Hence Jobu Tobacky, and hence her absurd creation of the Everything Bagel, our most menacing iteration of the circle motif.
Evelyn herself is struggling with a seemingly perpetual chaos, symbolized by evocatively messy non-literal circular concepts such as laundry, taxes, and most prominently, generational trauma, all culminating in her exhausted fight to maintain control. One can even read Evelyn’s initial outlook as that of a selfish survivalist, taking what she can and chiding impracticality in others (while hypocritically chasing less practical pursuits along the way). We learn that she had so many missed opportunities, that her life is chock full of what feels like never-ending failure and frustration. She is, as informed by Alpha Waymond, the worst version of herself across the multiverses, but we also learn that this is not a particularly bad thing—our Evelyn has the highest capability to connect to the various multiverses because of her plethora of missed opportunities. And there is some truth in that in reality, as well—if you are familiar with failure, you are better equipped to handle it and manage it. I’ll circle back to a short discussion of generational trauma, as well.
If the bagel as a motif reflects the burned hollowness of Jobu Tobacky’s outlook, then Waymond’s motif of google eyes reflects the inverse, invoking the joy of arbitrary silliness, effectively embracing the beauty of chaos, while also functioning as the symbol that represents Evelyn’s ultimate revelation—kindness and love is the antidote to the poison of nihilism. She literally transforms an object of violence (a bullet) into the object representing this kindness and love (the google eye), and in a perfect physical action that parallels the crux of her character arc, places an eye on her forehead. This revelation invokes the visual pun of “opening your third eye.” Instead of approaching the horde with violence in the vein of Jobu Tobacky, she instead uses empathy and compassion a la Waymond, assessing each of her opponents’ problems with her newfound ability to glimpse the totality of all of their existences, finding what they need, giving it to them, and nonlethally subduing them. The through-line with each of these encounters is human connection and compassion, which is also the basis for Evelyn’s approach to her final fight with Jobu (and her impassioned declaration of acceptance with Joy in the parking lot). These ultimate confrontations mesh the film’s lofty philosophical theme of rejecting of nihilism with its more immediate and relatable theme of breaking the cycle of generational trauma.
How this film deals with and overcomes generational trauma is truly something spectacular, and the ways in which it manifests and is confronted both emotionally devastated me and provided me catharsis. When Gong Gong all but explicitly disowns Evelyn through his continually outward expressions of disappointment of her based on his own failure to temper his expectations of her, it comes to no surprise that Evelyn perpetuates this cycle of targeted disappointment in Joy. Evelyn veiling her own inability to connect with and understand her daughter by throwing Gong Gong under the bus for being old and out of touch has an effect opposite to her intention to convey an admittedly weak sense of ally-ship. In her failure to openly advocate her own daughter’s queerness, she accidentally demonstrates her ignorance, willful or not, which is just one of the thousand cuts Joy must endure in a prison of unintentional repression, one that I am sure many fellow LGBTQ+ people are familiar with.
Through the film’s exposition concerning her origin, it is all very clear that Jobu Tobacky has felt and will always feel every single emotional, physical, and mental experience that every Joy feels, which must consequently mean that our Evelyn is at least partially to blame for her philosophy if not a whole swath of her multiversal counterparts (particularly Alpha Evelyn). Though Jobu Tobacky’s consciousness contains an unfathomable number of experiences, our Evelyn’s revelation and unyielding drive to protect and accept any iteration of her daughter is enough to reach through to Jobu. The macrocosm of the multiverse being saved directly mirrors the microcosm of Evelyn refusing to perpetuate the cycle of generational trauma, perhaps even shifting Gong Gong’s rigid understanding of the world and his family through her demonstration of unconditional love for her daughter.
The film’s emphasis on demonstrating that Waymond’s ideology—to treat everyone with kindness, especially if we all don’t know what’s going on—is the most powerful force because it bridges compassionate connections rather than allowing chaos and violence to separate us. Waymond himself proves to be much stronger than everybody gave him credit for in the beginning, his vulnerability to his feelings and emotions functioning as almost a desperate invitation to Evelyn to reconsider her own rigid understanding of the world. In every universe, Waymond surprises Evelyn with some variation of his resilience, from his decision to file for divorce, to him urging everyone to stop fighting despite having been stabbed by his own wife. Waymond’s resilience shines the most for me when he delivers the most romantic line in all of film history: “So, even though you have broken my heart yet again, I wanted to say, in another life, I would have really liked just doing laundry and taxes with you.”
I would like to mention here that the emotional buildup to this line was unbelievably skillful—the yearning, the melancholy, Waymond’s situationally subversive earnestness. The real killer here was the directors’ choice to visually and tonally emulate the smoldering imagery of In the Mood for Love, a film I have only recently seen for the first time. But as soon as Waymond uttered this line the first time, I immediately burst into uncontrollable tears in the theater. The second time I was already crying anticipating this moment. Absolutely stunning cinema. Peak romance. Waymond is everything I aspire to be in a person—kind, sweet, goofy, compassionate, and thoughtful.
As the primary vessels of a story, the performers here are some of the greatest of all time. The impeccable Michelle Yeoh demonstrating to us all just how much raw talent courses through her veins, the phenomenal Ke Huy Quan—a staple of my childhood due to his performance as Data in The Goonies—showcasing his own acting chops and inhabiting so many variations of one character, and, completing this perfect triad of performers is Stephanie Hsu, whom I knew only as Christine Canigula from the original cast recording for the off-Broadway musical Be More Chill, becoming the most batshit chaotic character I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing in a movie. My beloved Jamie Lee Curtis, coolest babysitter aunt actress ever, giving layers to the initially flat-seeming and hilariously named Deirdre Beaubeirdre and gets to be all things—an absurd, bureaucratically cruel but deep-down soft and even lovable freak. James Hong even gets more to do with his character than just be the ashamed father who expected more of his daughter—he's funny, commanding, dumbfounded, and snide.
With the impact the story and characters have left on me out of the way, I’d like to very disjointedly gush about the actual production elements of this movie in the least academic ways I can manage, so please bear with me as I describe things I used to understand better in film school but clearly have escaped me years later:
This film looks stunning, its blocking and directing so beautifully planned and captured, its frame compositions and camera movements honed to perfection—I will never get bored of any visual moment of this movie in rewatches. Lighting, use of color (especially whenever Jobu Tobacky is involved!!!) are brilliant. The use of practical effects and old-school camera tricks for a lot of the film was unbelievable—they really squeezed every bit of worth out of the budget, because you would think that it cost way more to produce something of this overall caliber.
Sounds, noises, and music all worked so perfectly. The soundtrack by Son Lux is sublime, and upon relistening divorced from the film, you really get to appreciate their genius use of leitmotifs, each written and implemented in the most emotionally effective ways. The disgusting hot dog finger squelching was funny every time, even when the tender romance between hot dog finger Evelyn and Deirdre played out in earnest. In this film’s music and sound, there’s whimsy, an overwhelming sense of the grandiose, somber, quiet moments, tense and thrilling soundscapes.  
For their second feature film ever, Daniels have managed to wrangle the most talented people, cast, crew, everyone. I finally got around to watching Swiss Army Man because of this film, and I believe that my viewing of that movie was enhanced because of my love for Everything Everywhere All At Once. These two get me, with their outwardly absurd and juvenile humor simultaneously interacting with and informing truly profound stories. In a few tweets, I learned that Daniel Kwan used to be ashamed of his tendency to make maximalist films, ashamed of the way his ADHD brain made him think and create, but he has learned to accept and even appreciate him and his creative partner’s maximalist approach. Evelyn being described as living with undiagnosed ADHD adds so much more depth to an already incredibly fleshed-out character, and in turn this revelation makes her even more relatable to some, myself included. It could not be more appropriate that Daniels have been operating on ADHD brain for all of their projects, especially this one.
Everything Everywhere All At Once has rightfully become one of my all-time favorite films. It’s beautiful, hilarious, painful, wondrous, absurd—it really is everything. In recent years, there has been an increasing critical distinction between art and entertainment, and while I will never write off giant spectacle, cash-grab entertainment as “not art” (even if it’s cynical and corporate, it is still art), it’s films like this that remind me what’s so important about cinema as art. Good art makes you rethink your preconceived notions. It makes you question why our culture and society are the way they are. It makes you see what life is like for people you may not realize are very much like you, and makes you consider the possibility and potential of engaging with the world. More films should do this. Daniels have set the bar for optimistic, maximalist, and humanist cinema, and I can only hope that we see more filmmakers continue this trend and push the envelope to even greater lengths, maybe even as far as beyond the multiverse.
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kivenwough · 2 years
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Surprising Benefits of surrogacy
Surrogacy may be a very rewarding experience for both intended parents and gestational carriers. It does, however, need a major commitment from both parties, and it is critical to weigh all of the benefits and drawbacks of surrogacy before embarking on the process. Earthly Angels Surrogacy ensures that the benefits of surrogacy are evident to prospective parents: it is a method to make their aspirations of motherhood a reality.
However, the hundreds of families who have gone through the surrogacy process will tell you that the benefits of surrogacy go well beyond that. The following are just a handful by Sharron Wooten about the benefits of surrogacy for adoptive mothers:
Surrogacy brings families together. Surrogacy is frequently the answer to years of futile attempts to have a family for people who have battled with infertility, LGBT couples, and those with medical issues that make pregnancy dangerous.
Surrogacy enables genetic ties to be made. One or both parents can typically keep their biological link with their kid through gestational surrogacy.
Earthly Angels have proven that surrogacy is a relationship-building process. During the surrogacy process, many intended parents get close with their surrogate and her family, forming profound ties that can last a lifetime.
Surrogacy has a limited number of shocks. Prior to embryo transfer, a legally enforceable contract defining everyone's expectations will be developed and signed, so everyone knows precisely what to anticipate during the surrogacy process. Prior to the birth of the child, a court order is sought, confirming the prospective parents' legal rights.
Surrogacy assures that you are a part of the process. Intended parents are frequently allowed to participate in their surrogate's pregnancy by attending critical checkups and being there at key milestones such as embryo transfer and delivery.
Surrogacy has a high chance of being successful. Surrogates have a track record of bearing healthy babies, making surrogacy a more likely option than fertility treatments for intended parents.
Surrogacy is a wonderful present. Surrogacy is typically chosen by women who want to give back to another family. Being a surrogate requires a particular kind of person with a lot of compassion. A surrogate might feel tremendous pleasure and satisfaction in knowing that they were able to serve another family in the most unselfish way imaginable.
Surrogacy gives you the opportunity to be a part of a pregnancy. Surrogates frequently love the experience of being pregnant. Even if their own families are already full, the surrogacy procedure allows them to relive all of the thrills and miracles of pregnancy.
Surrogates have a strong sense of belonging. Surrogacy is a one-of-a-kind experience, and many surrogates form deep friendships with other women who have gone through the process.
Surrogates are legally protected. Intended parents and gestational carriers sign a legally enforceable contract that outlines their intentions and duties during the surrogacy procedure. This assures that the surrogate is appropriately rewarded and that the kid is not her responsibility after birth.
Surrogates are rewarded fairly. You will get remuneration in return for your yearlong dedication to the intended parents, as well as the numerous physical and emotional difficulties of pregnancy, which you may use toward future aspirations like purchasing a house or funding for your children's higher education. If you need further surrogacy assistance click at EarthlyAngelsConsulting.com. 
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frumfrumfroo · 4 years
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I can't believe how much they absolutely destroyed the Skywalker saga - not just this trilogy, but the OT as well. They now have 0 rewatchability knowing that all of the character's lives are ruined and then they die, even their children's lives are destroyed. They turned the entire saga into an irrevocable tragedy.
Not even a proper tragedy. Just shaggy dog nihilism that pretends it’s optimistic.
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3rdgymbros · 3 years
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— title; it’s nice to have a friend.
— pairing; zhongli x reader  
— summary; in which a lonely archon seeks out rex lapis to make a contract with him
— notes; this is my first time writing for genshin (i don’t play the game) so i hope it’s not too ooc !! special thanks to @degenerate-yandere and @hanniejji​ for their support !!
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You've heard stories of Rex Lapis, of course. The parcel of land you rule over is tiny, but stories of his prowess in battle have reached even you and your people. Rex Lapis, the God of War, who understands battle and weaponry, strategy and bloodshed far more than you ever will, whose hands and weapons have drawn more than their fair share of blood.
And yet, your first impression of him is that his eyes are beautiful.
They're the first things that you're drawn to; those intense amber eyes, the deep gold reminding you of honey. Then, later, when you manage to tear your gaze away from his, you stare at the dark chocolate hair framing a breathtaking face. His eyes narrow slightly, but his features are otherwise schooled into impassivity as he takes you in, your body language stiff and prim, betraying the tension your body feels.
"The God of Flowers, I presume." His voice is cultured and smooth, with a rasp that makes your stomach flutter. A frown line mars the space between arrogantly slashed brows. "You wished to meet with me?"
You hide your hands in the folds of your robes, embroidered with thousands of handstitched pearls meant to resemble the flowers you so dearly love. You have to struggle to keep your scrambled, panicked thoughts from showing on your face, but still, real fear seeps into your voice when you say, "Yes."
You have to pause to take a breath, to steady yourself. "I'm – They call me the God of Flowers. And I want to make a contract with you. Please."
"Oh?" The intense magnetism he exudes grows in strength, becoming a near tangible impression of vibrant and unrelenting power. His white cloak ripples and lifts in the breeze to show the hard muscles of his stomach. Very studiously, you keep your eyes trained on his face. "And what would you ask of me?"
Your cheeks warm. This is a conversation you've played over in your head before coming to seek out Rex Lapis, but that doesn't make it any less daunting. Especially since your reasons for seeking him out aren't particularly profound. In fact, it's almost something that a child might ask. You have no desire for money, or gold, or precious gems. You have enough of those in your temple, with its maze of lavishly furnished hallways. His liquid topaz eyes are penetrating – trying futilely, you assume, to lift the truth straight from your mind. But now you can't look at him. You keep your gaze trained on the gold silk tablecloth, and it takes all your self-control to keep your hands motionless in your lap, not to smooth it down, to tug at the corners so that it lies flat.
Finally, when the silence becomes unbearable, you sigh, and your exhale of air brings with it the heavy scent of roses, mingling with a strange briny scent: waves crashing on rocky shores, dolphins diving. "Pinky promise you won't laugh?"
Your cheeks feel hotter than ever as you press your lips together, now all too aware of how naïve and child-like you must seem to him. Rex Lapis watches you closely, and you think that he might almost be on the verge of smiling. Almost. The ghost of a smile on his lips heightens your awareness of him to a physically painful degree. His earthy amusement makes him less of a god and more human. Flesh and blood. Real.
Your embarrassment eases briefly, but still, you hasten to explain, almost tripping over your words in the process. "Oh – It's what the children in my village do when they make promises, it just slipped out –"
"Ah. Another contract." Rex Lapis nods, sounding almost intrigued. When you dare to peek at him through your lashes, he's watching you with a peculiar expression that sets your stomach fluttering. "How is it done?"
"It's simple. You just link your pinky fingers together, and make a promise. And that's that."
"And that's that." Rex Lapis echoes. "Very well. Give me your hand."
Still uncomprehending, you do as he asks. You watch, entranced, as he twines his pinky with yours. Your pulse leaps when his grip tightens. His touch is electric, sending a shock up your arm that raises the hairs on your nape. "On this pinky promise, I give you my word. I will not laugh."
You soften, a small smile tugging at your lips, though your next words are anything but happy. "I'm lonely."
You can't remember who you were before the world made a ruin out of you. So many people you've loved have been wrenched from your grasp, your fingers still scouring claw marks into their skin as you'd clung to them with all your might. You have watched as the life has left their eyes. You have mourned them and you have envied them and you have missed them at every moment.
"I'm lonely." You say again, the words colored purple with your anguish. You open the palm of your hand, watching as an iris blossoms to life upon your palm. It seems to you ironic that while plants flourish to life around you, the same can't be said for the humans in your care, who are fragile and loveable, and rife with the stink of mortality. "I thought – It would be nice to have a friend. That's why I sought you out."
I'm weak. I'm scared of being alone.
Silence falls like a foot of fresh snow. Then something shifts in the air. As he stares at you, it's as if a shield slides away from his eyes, revealing a scorching force of will that sucks the air from your lungs.
And then Rex Lapis nods. "I accept."
"Oh." You say, all your breath leaving you. You smile, big and bright as relief spreads through you. As if conjured by your smile, the temperature rises, warmth raining over the space, as if sunbeams are falling from the force of your smile alone, like warm honey slowly pouring. "Oh – Yes. Um, how does a contract with you work? Do I need to sign anything?"
Again, there's that almost ghost of a smile on his lips, but the intensity of his gaze is searing. It feels as if his entire focus is on you. "Another pinky promise would suffice."
"Oh –" Why is that the only word in your vocabulary at this very moment? "Alright."
"In exchange for my friendship, I ask that you loan me your power whenever I have need of it."
"I accept the terms of your contract." Your throat is tight when you speak again, but you manage to get the words out. "Stay with me. Until the end – whenever that may be."
"I give you my word."
And again, you link your pinky with his, and as you do, power burns in the air, binding the two of you to what you've agreed.
It seems to you a funny thing, that right at the end of your life, you should remember your first meeting with Rex Lapis like this.
With much effort, you finally manage to open your eyes. It's excruciating. Your eyelids feel as though they're made of lead. At first, you can only perceive one thing: light. And with this slight stirring of consciousness, your body erupts into joint-wrenching pain. Nothing exists outside of your body, outside of all this pain that you know will consume you.
"It isn't his fault." You say on a choked whisper, feeling tears well in your eyes. You aren't sure if it's a plea or a prayer – the latter of which is ironic. An Archon praying? You'll do it a thousand times over, as long as life still burns in your body, if it only means that Rex Lapis will escape punishment for breaking his end of the deal. "Don't –"
Stay with me, until the very end, you'd told him.
Rex Lapis isn't here, but still you cling to him, holding him close in your final moments; the intensity of his burning gold eyes, the ghost of a smile on his lips, how his presence had made you feel safe for the first time in a century, the way he'd looked at you, as if he'd understood you.
You smile. And it is a fragile, broken thing. "It was a good life. Thank you."
And it's with a last exhale that your body melts into the dirt beneath it, covering the land in summer roses, the afternoon bringing their fragrance to full bloom.
It's the first and the last time that Rex Lapis ever breaks a contract.
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shysneeze · 3 years
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good enough (draco malfoy x fem!reader)
Good Enough
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Draco Malfoy x fem!Slytherin!Reader 
*based loosley on the song ‘line without a hook’ by ricky montgomery*  
Request: can I ask for Draco x reader where the reader is sassy, but also kind Slytherin (like one of the kind Slytherin)?? And Draco has a huge crush on her? Super fluffy? ~ @lennylangdraws 
Warnings: low self-esteem, angst, smidge of house stereotyping, i don’t know the meaning of fluff im so sorry 
Authors note: you asked for fluff and I have no excuses for how this turned out except this song has been stuck in my head for weeks now. I hope you like it anyway despite the angst... i tried to make it fluffy make up at the end?
Also, I’m not saying this is a prequel to vulnerable love, but it kinda fits... pretty sure it makes vulnerable love hurt more though.)
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Draco wasn’t sure it was possible to want back what he’s never had.
He never knew being stuck in the awkward phase of being an ‘almost couple’ is something he could miss, that he’d ever long to feel the heat that would creep up his cheeks when their eyes met, to feel the nauseating butterflies flap in his stomach when she smiled at him or the jolt of nervous energy that would rip through him whenever their fingers accidentally grazed each other’s under tables or in corridors.
Yet now that those little things are beyond his grasp, he’s desperate for them again, desperate for her. It might be easier to miss her if she were gone, rather than just sitting at the other end of the Slytherin table, or across the room during classes, it would be easier not to see her, the constant reminder of what he’s allowed him self to ruin.
They weren’t supposed to get along, every conflicting personality trait dooming them to a life as enemies. Everyone knows her, the ‘nice’ Slytherin. It’s a title given to her by her classmates, the too-cocky Gryffindors who can’t see past Slytherin’s bad reputation as bullies and snobs, a bad-reputation fuelled by Draco Malfoy himself.
No one could have expected them to end up the way they did, dates in Hogsmeade or hushed conversations by the common room fire in the early hours of the morning and afternoons spent by the lake. No one could have expected them to get along so well.
Draco knows that everyone has expected this though, for them to fall apart before they’ve even had the chance to begin. It’s what they’ve expected of him all along after all, to break her heart.
He’s pretty sure he hasn’t got the right to be looking for her like this, seeking her out desperately to get her back, once again deluded into believing he ever had her in the first place. He’s the one who called it off in a moment of certainty that it was the right thing to do, a selfless act. And so it’s wrong for him to be here right now, back in their secret spot.
She’s exactly where he assumed she would be, curled beneath the tree she was always affectionately calling theirs. His entire body tenses painfully at the sight of her, face hidden in her palms and body shaking, not from the cold, but from the trembling of barely silenced sobs.
He wonders if it’s his racing heart that she can hear that alerts her to his presence and has her looking up from her hands, teary eyes meeting his in surprise. Then, she pulls her brows into a well-justified scowl and a lump forms in Draco’s throat that he can’t seem to swallow.
“What are you doing here?”
An incredibly valid question for which Draco can only provide selfish answers. It seems silly to tell her that he’s hear to win her back, and futile given her growing anger. Yet he won’t be able to live with himself if he doesn’t, miserable without her.
“I miss you.” He gulps honestly. “Truthfully, I’ve been a mess without you.”
“Merlin, Draco.” She gasps out a laugh of disbelief. “Maybe you should have thought of that before you started ignoring me. Frankly, that isn’t really my issue.”
“I know.” He sighs apologetically. “I know, I didn’t mean-“
“Just get it over with, Draco.” She rolls her eyes. “Say your piece and leave me alone.”
He nods, taking hesitant steps forward towards her, the frost coated grass crunching under foot. She avoids his eyes as he takes a seat beside her, staring determinedly at her lap and making a conscious attempt to hide the quickly accumulating tears.
“Aren’t you cold?”
She lets out a loud exasperated sigh and refuses him an answer. He agrees with the sentiment of it, regretted the stupidity of it the minute it left his lips. Still, he leans forward to pull the Slytherin scarf from his neck and twists himself to allow him to wrap it loosely around hers, fussing with it until he’s reassured that she’ll be warmer for it.
“You looked cold.”
“Tis’ the season.” She mumbles sarcastically.
Her sarcasm is another thing he’s missed from her, and it draws a momentary smile to his face. Then, the moment is over, and his eyes have fixed on the tear stains painting her cheeks, proof of his own fatal mistake.
“I’m so sorry, (Y/N).”
She scoffs.
“Two weeks overdue.”
“I know.” He agrees sheepishly. “I know, (Y/N).”
“Then why are you only here now?” She questions. “Why did you do it in the first place? You can’t just act like you have feelings for someone then disappear and ignore them for weeks!”
Her voice wobbles and cracks at the end, much to her own dismay, and each breath she takes is jagged in the way one’s always is when trying to conceal tears. He watches her press the balls of her palm to her eyes in frustration, letting out a small whimper that has every inch of him aching with remorse.
Part of him, a self-preserving part, tells him to lie. It’s a side of himself he’s grown to hate recently, the side that pushed him into this mess in the first place, and so he knows better than to bargain with it again. So, with a deep breath, he chooses to tell the truth, he chooses to be vulnerable.
“I’m not good enough.”
Although exhaled in a whisper the revelation is startlingly loud. Perhaps its due to the serene quiet always felt on crisp cold days like today, where the sun hangs low in the sky and the lake lies unimaginably still, or perhaps it’s the raw honestly in the statement that makes it seem so alarmingly bold.
She blinks at him, lips parting in surprise and brows furrowing in confusion or concern, Draco isn’t sure. He can hear his pulse in his ears, a slight trembling in his hands that he knows has nothing to do with the chilly breeze. He’s done something profound, terrifying even, and opened that vulnerably part of himself to someone, with no control over what happens to it next.
“What?” She manages.
“Everyone knows it, (Y/N).” He explains nervously. “I’m a terrible match for you.” 
“Who the hell is everyone” She frowns. “Since when did they matter?”
There is a certain protective edge to her voice that he doesn’t deserve, but it replays itself in his head over and over, clinging to it for hope. It takes him a moment to let it go again, to push it down and answer.
“They’re right.” He sighs. “You’re too good a person for me, I’m too Slytherin.”
The concern instantly leaves her eyes, she sits forward with an urgent look of disbelief and another of her signature scoffs. She’s giving him an inspective look, trying to figure out if he’s serious, or if he’s suddenly picked up a new, strange sense of humour.
“You’re kidding, right?”
He isn’t quite sure what to say and his silence fuels another disbelieving shake of her head.
“I am a Slytherin, Draco.” She exclaims. “No matter what those big-headed Gryffindors are always saying, I was sorted into Slytherin and I’m proud of it- you’re supposed to be proud too, not agreeing with those stupid stereotypes.”
“It’s different.” He exhales in frustration. “I am those stupid stereotypes!”
Draco Malfoy has never been considered modest.
Self-confidence isn’t a trait earned in the Malfoy family clan, but rather inherited between generations, a birth right bestowed upon them the minute they are old enough to understand. It’s a confidence Draco has always been comfortably protected by, unwaveringly sure of his own self-importance gifted to him by his ancestors
Yet something about the infamously kind (Y/N) (Y/L/N) has him constantly falling apart at the seams with the need to be good enough for her. He’s never met anyone like her, no one so capable of making him question the unwarranted self-importance he was raised on as a Malfoy.
Even now, wrapped unceremoniously in his scarf, late falling orange leaves lying in her hair and her cheeks stained with tears, he’s never felt so undeserving of a person in his life. She’s a lady, and he’s just a boy, he’s heartbreakingly inadequate.
“I just want to be someone you can be proud to call yours.”
With his eyes solemnly fixed on his lap, anywhere other than her reaction, he jumps slightly at her cold fingertips on his hand, prying them from the tightly curled fists he has no recollection of clenching and slipping her fingers into his.
“Draco, look at me.” She pleads softly. “Please.”
He does so slowly with her encouraging squeeze of his hand, she’s smiling at him, sympathetic, but unpatronizing.
“I am proud.” She states softly, but confidently. “I don’t want some perfect golden boy, I want you, Draco.”
Three words he never knew he needed from her, ‘I want you’, and they fill a space in his chest that was gaping for reassurance. She’s amazed him again as she always does, she has a talent for making him speechless than no one else has ever mastered.
“You’re so harsh on yourself you haven’t even realised how much you’ve grown, Draco.” She informs. “You’re not the bully you used to be, you’re not the carbon copy of your father anymore, and I’m sorry that no one has allowed you to move on from your past to see your present.”
She smiles sheepishly at his dumfounded expression and gives him the moment he needs to collect his thoughts and process it all. Then, slowly, he’s shaking his head in surprise, letting out a soft sigh.
“You’re too good to me.”
“Don’t make me repeat myself.” She jokes. “I think I straightened that misconception out already.”
“No but- you’re just so…”
The heat burning his cheeks is worse than ever before, he feels almost overwhelmed by it all, her compliments, her smile, that genuine look in her eyes that convinces him she’s unwaveringly sure of every word she’s said.
“Thank you.” He blurts finally. “Especially after I- well I ruined it all.”
“Yeah, I won’t lie, you really fucked up.” She admits. “But you’ve made an honest recovery…”
“Thank you for giving me a second chance.” He exhales gratefully. “You didn’t need to do that.”
“I was going to tell you to piss off after the ‘are you cold’ bit to be honest.” She chuckles. “Stayed because you gave me your scarf- which I’m stealing by the way.”
“Take it.” He urges, a smile finding his lips for what he’s sure is the first time in two weeks, since his misguided decision to end their almost-relationship. “Take whatever you want from me, it’s yours.”
She lets out a shaky breath and gulps. She purposely drops her gaze momentarily to his lips before retuning them to his eyes again, a gesture that has his eyes widening and the tips of his ears turning scarlet. Slipping her fingers from between his, she tentatively cups one of his cheeks, fingertips grazing the red colour blossoming on his pale skin.
“Can I kiss you?”
“I-“ He chokes. “Yes.”
She smiles nervously, reassuring him that he’s not the only one flustered. Then, curling her free hand around the lapel of his jacket, she pulls him closer with eyes shut. Their lips are cold when they meet, and slightly chapped by the cool air, but neither care. Draco places a hand on her waist, pulling her somehow closer as their lips begin to move hesitantly together. She lets out a soft content sigh, sending a breath of warm air into the kiss and causing him to positively melt inside. She’s done it again, completely incapacitated him with such a simple thing as a kiss.
“You’re going to be the death of me.” He exhales.
She lets out a giddy laugh as she pulls back, forehead still pressed to his and eyes still shut.
“There are worst ways to go than my lips.”
He knows, he’s very quickly decided that’s the only way he ever wants to go.  She presses her lips to his again for a split second before pulling back completely, he aches for the feeling again, greedy for it now that he’s felt it once.
“Next time, talk to me.” She pleads. “If you ever feel like you’re not good enough, I’ll be there to convince you otherwise, but don’t just disappear.”
“I won’t.” He assures. “I never meant to hurt you.”
“I know that, Draco.” She smiles sadly. “I just want you to know that you can talk to me.”
“I do.”
The hard part, that initial step, is over. He’s leapt into the unknown, flung himself into the terrifying depths of vulnerability, and there is no going back, but he never wants to, he never wants to leave her again.
“Also if I ever hear you speaking shit about our house again I swear to-“
She’s cut off by his lips once again on hers, startled only for a minute before she’s grinning, grateful to see his confidence returning. She can feel his own grin on her lips and the vibrations of a light laugh before he’s pulling back again.
“Consider me warned.”
“Good.” She exhales. “Or I’ll be confiscating your tie next.”
(Authors note: its not my favourite but if i rewrote it one my time i was flinging my laptop out my window... its not particularly proofread.)
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