#but the drama of the ice skating levels is too good

[incrediblysalt]

#princess peach #princess peach showtime #my art #digital art #ik im not the first to do this #but the drama of the ice skating levels is too good #but I made them lesbians cause girl hot #also yes I didn’t wanna draw legs sue me

[louloulemons-posts]

The Criminal And The Princess IV

Grumpy!College!Eddie X Sunshine!Skater!Reader

Summary : the aftermath of billy and eddies fight, but who gets punished for it?

Word Count : 2.3k

Warnings : wrote at 4am, mentions of billy (he doesn’t appear), swearing, dad is an asshole again, talks of food issues, eddie fluff, cute friendship fluff.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

Eventhough dad had said I didn’t need to go into the rink this weekend, I knew the ice would clear my head after all the drama the night before.

There was barely anyone in, your dad’s office dark. Lacing my skates, I popped in my earphones, making my way to the ice, gliding along.

I practiced my spins, dad had mentioned they were sloppy too. Apparently my whole routine for regionals was, that’s why he’d pulled Yrene back in. She’d been on maternity leave.

The music took over and I ignore the few people around me, leaping, jumping, spinning. Again and again. I went through the whole routine, replaying the song over and over again - it was a good thing I loved Hozier.

The song built up as I went into a triple spin, breaking out and leaping into a lutz, making sure my arms and legs were straight enough. I sighed, too wobbly.

Coming to a halt, a bit of the ice kicking up under my blades as I did. Again, the whole thing again. The sweet sound of guitar began playing, then the man’s melodic voice filled my ears, “You know the distance never made a difference to me.”

It started slowly, gliding across the ice, a few gentle spins just to show off a little bit. Catching my the top of my blade in my hand, I spun around twice - that was better.

My layback spins were always pretty good, one of the moves I always found joy in watching mom do. Once again the song built up, a few axles and then a lutz, finally followed by a triple jump.

I landed with ease, gliding along the ice, a few more spins here and there, one again holding my skate in my hand making it level to my head and the leaning back slightly. That was much better.

The lights flickered, there he was. Chest heaving I skated over to the man, noting how grey he was beginning to be. “What are you doing here?” he asked.

“Needed to clear my head, what did you think?” Pulling out my earphones I popped them back in their case. “Better, still needs to be brilliant though. Work on your lutz.”

I hummed, biting the inside of my cheek, that was the closest thing to a compliment I’d get from the man. “Ah there you are! You’re late,” my father said to someone.

Turning my face scrunched in confusion, “Eddie?”

“You know this young man?” dad asked.

“Uh yeah, what are you doing here?” Eddie was about to explain when dad cut him off.

“Mr Munson took it upon himself to injure one of my best hockey players, therefore will be helping out around the rink until I think he’s made up for it.”

“Is this about Billy?” I turned to my father, instantly feeling angry. “Yes, how did you-“

“Dad it isn’t Eddies fault! Billy is a vile piece of work and you know it!”

“Eden,” I heard Eddie speak from behind me.

“And what punishment will Billy be getting?”

“Why should Billy be punished?” I let out a breathy laugh, “Oh I don’t know, maybe grabbing your daughter and threatening her?” The last part came out in a snap.

“What? He didn’t tell me that,” my dad said, almost untrusting in the way he did. “Of course he didn’t. He’s an arsehole.”

“Language Eden. I’ll talk to Billy again-“ I cut him off, “Talk to Steve, he was there. He’ll tell you.”

“Either way, in this college we don’t condone violence, Mr Munson, if you’ll follow me.”

“Will you talk to Steve?” I asked.

“Yes! Fine I will talk to him, I don’t understand why you’re so insisted in defending-“

“Finish that sentence I dare you.” His eyes widened at me, and I could feel Eddie tense behind me. “Practice your lutz Eden, I’ll see you for lunch tomorrow.”

“Yeah,” I grumbled, going back to the ice, not before throwing a sympathetic glance at Eddie. Once again I started the song, letting it take over, yet I felt myself shaking with anger.

Of course Billy made it out like Eddie was the bad guy - he was a real piece of work. Next time I see him I’m gonna shove my skate up his - oh shit time to jump.

Spinning three times, I landed again, gliding along, feeling the ice becoming more damaged with every one. I don’t know how long I was going for, but I must have listened to Unknown / Nth about 10 times.

Pulling out my earphones, I heard a clapping sound. Meeting chocolate eyes I couldn’t help smiling, skating over to him. Leaning on the side, he spoke, “You really are a princess on that ice, you’re incredible.”

My face burned, luckily it was so cold in the rink I could blame my maroon cheeks on that. “Thank you.”

“No worries. I think I’d break my neck if I did that spinny thing,” he laughed, “I dunno who I’m kidding I’d break my neck just walking on the ice.”

“You can’t skate?” The boy shook his head, I smiled when a few curls fell into his eyes, he blew them away with ease. Yet they fell back into the place they just were. “I can teach you.”

“I think your dad would-“

“Munson, I didn’t ask to have you here so you could distract my skaters,” my dad shouted from his office above. ‘His skaters’ not his daughter, wow.

“Oh shit sorry, yeah you’re practicing.”

“It’s okay, I’ve had enough for today anyway.” Sliding down the one of the gates to the rink I climbed up, sitting on a cold seat and took off my skates.

“I’m really sorry about this, what’s the old grouch got you doing?”

“Basic maintenance, cleaning and stuff.”

“That sucks.”

“It’s fine, I have to fit it around work for the next few weeks.”

“He’s acting like we’re in highschool,” I scoffed. “I do kinda feel like I am,” the boy chuckled. “I can stay and keep you company if you want?”

“Nah it’s okay, I think it’d just make Bennett mad.” I hummed, throwing my hoodie on and zipped up my bag. “Well are we still good for the library tomorrow?”

“Of course, I’ll meet you there at 3?”

“3,” I repeated, smiling, walking away from the boy. I made it to the door when I heard my dad’s voice again, “Munson get back to work.”

I couldn’t help but shake my head with laughter, what a sweet boy.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

The rest of my Saturday went uneventful, spending it with the girls, that was before Robin had to head out somewhere. “Anywhere nice?” I asked.

“Just uh .. meeting a friend.” She threw a jacket on, grabbing her phone and keys. “Steve? I thought he was working.”

“You guys and Steve aren’t my only friends, you know. I’ll see you guys later.”

Nancy called after her, making the girl stop with a questioning look. “Tell Vickie I said hi.” Robins face burned as she flipped us both off. “Oh my god!” I shouted, throwing myself back so my head way lay on Nancy’s lap.

“I know, you should have seen them last night. So cute. Anyways how was your night with Munson?”

“Good, we went to a diner called Benny’s.”

Nancy hummed, “Yeah I’ve been there with Jonathan, it’s nice.”

“Yeah, well we got milkshakes and then he walked me back.”

“I can’t believe your dad is punishing him for defending you.”

“That’s what happens when you go up against Billy Hargrove,” I rolled my eyes.

“Anyways, have you heard anything off your mom about Holly?” I asked.

“Mike did, said mom was shouting at him, then he kicked off at her. So he took Holly with him and they had a sleepover with Will and El at Joyce’s house.”

“That sucks, I’m sorry to say Nance but we really have shit dads.” She nodded, letting her fingers play with a piece of my hair. “You know my dad called me one of his skaters today.”

“Please can I hit him?”

“Get in line,” I laughed.

“Do you feel okay to eat with me today? We can make something together if you want.”

“You know that sounds fun, can we have those spicy chicken wraps?” She squealed, “God E, it’s like you can read my mind! I’ve been craving them for so long.”

“Craving? You’re not!” I sat up quickly, meaning that Nancy tugged the hair of mine in her hand. “God no! Jesus E, I’m due on!”

“I was kidding,” I laughed, running away as she went to hit me with a pillow.

It was always therapeutic to cook with Nancy, she never made me feel like I was any less because of my difficulties with food. Her and Robin were the best for that, along with Yrene.

“Did you get on okay with the milkshake?” Nancy asked, as she chopped up some veggies for our wraps. “Hm?” I looked up from chopping the chicken. “Well you don’t really like to drink them, especially around people you don’t know.”

Oh. I hadn’t even thought about that. I’d been laughing and learning so much about Eddie. Finding out that he lives with his Uncle, Wayne, and that he works at his garage a couple times a week. “Uh yeah it was fine.”

Nancy made a sound, I could hear the smile on her face. “What?” I asked.

“You um … just seem very comfortable around Eddie.”

“He’s a nice guy,” I shrugged.

“You shouted at your dad about him.”

I laughed loudly, “Yeah I did. Now, how are those veggies?”

“Done! I’ll grab some plates, you start making the wraps.”

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

I woke up early on Sunday, showering and planning an appropriate outfit to wear one that dad wouldn’t moan at me for. Jeans and a knitted jumper would do. I sat on my bed, drying my hair, it was 10 so I had enough time.

“Hey,” Robin said, knocking the door before she popped her head round. “Hey!” I smiled at her through the mirror. She sat on my bed, making herself comfy against the dark green bedding.

“Cute outfit,” she smiled.

“Thanks, you’re very chipper. Good night with Vickie?” She bit her lower lip, trying to hide her grin. “Tell me everything right now!”

“We may have … kissed.” I screamed, calling for Nancy. “What?! What’s wrong!?” she shouted running into my room, only to be met by two large grins.

“This better be good because I almost had a heart attack.”

“Robin and Vickie kissed!” I said clasping my hands, hair drying long forgotten.

“Robin Carolin Buckley, you tell us everything right now!” Nancy said, squeezing next to me on the bed. Both of us looking expectantly at Robin.

“You’re meant to be meeting your dad, we can talk about it later,” The girl said. On that note my phone buzzed. Picking it up I couldn’t help rolling my eyes at the message.

Dad : Emergency meetings come up, have to cancel lunch.

Eden : Yeah it’s fine.

Not that he cares if it’s fine, because when does he ever care? “I’ve got nowhere to be until 3pm.” Nancy squeezed my hand. “Hey no being sad over shit dads, it’s time to hear about our wonderful friends love life.”

“So we went to a music store, they were open late having an open mic night for small indie artists. We were just stood there listening to this girl sing and she just … took my hand,” Robin couldn’t help the smile that broke out on her face.

“And then she just kinda kissed me. It was real sweet but so good,” she couldn’t help laughing as she fell back against my pillows, cheeks burning bright.

“Are you gonna go on another date?” Nancy asked. “Well she text me this!” Robin handed us her phone.

Vickie 🥰 : sorry for the early message, but I had a great time last night!

Vickie 🥰 : would you want to do it again sometime?

Robin 😚 : Hi! I had a great time too and yes i would love that.

Vickie 🥰 : well i’ll plan this date, are you free wednesday night?

“And you haven’t replied?” I said loudly.

“Well Wednesday nights are girls nights and I didn’t want to bail on you guys.”

“Robin if you don’t go I swear to god,” Nancy said sternly.

“Are you sure?” Me and Nancy looked at each other before saying in sync, “Yes!”

“Okay okay!” Quickly she text back confirming that she’d love to go out on Wednesday.

“Our babies growing up!” I cried, Nancy took me into her arms. “I’m literally older than you!” the girl said with a half serious face. “But now she’s got a love life, potentially a girlfriend, I’m so proud!”

“Oh shut up! What about you and Eddie, you’re having a study date later right?” she asked. “It’s not a study date! It’s just studying.”

“It’s a study date.”

“We’re studying James Hetfield, dunno how date like that’ll be.”

“Who?” Nancy asked.

“He’s from Metallica.”

“Oh Eddie loves those guys.”

“So I’ve heard,” I smiled.

“Oh my god!” Nancy said shaking me and Robin leaned over to clasp my hand. “What?”

“You like him!” Robin exclaimed.

“I’ve literally know him a week!”

“I knew Vickie for an hour and was figure out who’s last name sounds better when we get married.”

“Jesus Robin,” I laughed.

“Do you like him?” Nancy asked.

“I don’t know, come on I haven’t even really dated before. There was 2 relationship, one in highschool and one in middle school which doesn’t count - plus they lasted like 5 months combined.”

“It’s okay to not know. I just think it’s sweet you feel so comfortable around him,” Nancy smiled, squeezing me again in her arms. “Yes very sweet, now let’s leave her to get ready,” Robin pulled Nancy from my bed and out of the room.

Those girls were something else, but I wouldn’t have them any other way.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

Writing Eden, Robin and Nancys friendship melts my heart 🫶🏻

taglist : @gnrquinn @flawiette @taylorswiftsloverfr @mygirlchaos @marvelcasey05 @ali-r3n @browneyes8288

let me know if you want to be added 🫶🏻

#stranger things #eddie munson #joe quinn #eddie munson imagine #stranger things imagine #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x yn #eddie munson fluff #eddie stranger things #joe quinn imagine #eddie x y/n #eddie x fem!reader #eddie x you #eddie x reader #strsnger things #strangerthings #joesph quinn imagine #joseph quinn imagine #joesph quinn #jospeh quinn #joseph quinn #the criminal and the princess #loulou lemons

[beargyuuzz]

Summary: a typical outing to your favorite coffee shop leads you to meet him, but you never knew how close he always was. His attitude is infuriating, but something about him pulls you in too deep.

Trope: rockstar! TXT, loveable jerk x cold girl pairing

WC: 12k

WARNINGS: Smut, Asshole yeonjun, swearing, reader is kinda mean, alcohol, drug mention ??

GENRES: Rockstar! Yeonjun x fem! Reader, little bit of interaction with every member

MINORS DNI

There were very few things Yeonjun found enjoyable in life. Dancing, skating, and the occasional drama was all that got him going. In a way, that was the thing that led him to this moment. Adjusting his patched denim jacket over his skinny jeans and white shirt, he headed toward his daily spot. The Black Hare coffee shop.

You see, this coffee shop was riddled with rude girls who pretend to be hot shit. Vapid, conceited, and disinterested women that were fresh out of high school and on their way to adulthood. Little did they know.

Yeonjun walks in, the scent of baked goods and espresso filling his senses as he sits down at his usual window seat and opens his laptop. Being a graphics artist meant that he always had another project. He never really got a break from it, either. He would kill to be careless like those girls again.

“What can I get for you?” A barista with a sleazy smirk walks up with a notepad, staring at him like a piece of meat while he finishes up part of his sketch. Girls like her weren’t his cup of tea. The long, bleached-out waves of blonde and light pink contrasted with thick makeup and a fake tan to top it all off. Not his type of woman.

“Cafe mocha, extra shot.” The girl huffs at the lack of attention and walks to the register with a pout, causing Yeonjun to roll his eyes before they fall on your form. Glass skin, shoulder-length dark hair, and tattoos peeking from beneath the clothing you had worn. Your head was turned, someone younger to the left of you speaking into your ear.

Your hair frames your face, two hair clips hold the sides away from your ears, and accessories gently mingle to show you had a fashion sense to die for; a Black pencil skirt with black leather sandals, and a red silk crop top with a layered with a baggy blazer that hung off to expose a tattoo of flowers and a rabbit on your shoulder. Bold makeup that brought out your eyes and plush lips tied it together with ease. You had taste. He liked that.

It was rare to see someone pulling off classy and edgy all at once, even more so to see a person who gives off an air of dominance as you did. Your presence demanded the attention of everyone around, and that was exactly why he knew he had to have you at any expense. Be it to himself or others.

Yeonjun watches you with interest, thoughts running behind his dazed orbs up and down until his eyes pick up on the sudden change in your expression. You had gone from a neutral, bored expression to pure annoyance in a matter of seconds. A moment later he finds out exactly why that switch occurred.

“I said hurry up. You're not the only customer here, you know.” The blonde from earlier snaps with a snarky smile, receiving a sharp inhale from you in response. The small girl to your left looks a bit concerned by the change in your mood, clenching her fists in the strawberry-patterned dress adorning her body.

After a moment, you smile bitterly and give her your order. You surely had more control than he would have had in that situation.

“Vanilla Macchiato. Iced, add an extra shot of espresso, and then a cherry shake, regular sugar level, and please lose the attitude. It isn’t a good look.” The cold, airy tone of your voice hits Yeonjun in the gut, chills spreading at the sheer attraction he held for you at that moment, despite feeling irritation spread at the insolent behavior of the barista. Even your attitude was hot in his eyes.

“Didn't know I was serving a child. Why would you want that as a grown woman?” The girl speaks coldly, typing in the order with disinterest lacing her features. The girl beside you snaps her head up at that, ears a bit red at the insult thrown her way.

“Didn't know I was being served by a pick me. Why is it your business?” The stale monotonous tone you used fills the air, making the few people in the line snicker in response to you.

“I mean, I just don’t know why anyone above the age of ten would order a cherry shake.” The smirk tugging her lips says it all. An annoying and satisfied half-assed smirk covering the barista’s face told you exactly why she was so rude, And you were going to call it out.

“Hm. Kira, is it? Well, I’m sorry to upset your superiority complex and cheer captain from snoozeville vibes, but last time I checked your job was to shut the hell up and take the order. Don't disrespect customers and make fun of drink choices that have nothing to do with you just because you’re mad about your mundane job and attitude driving off every single person you show interest in. Now take the damned money and get the drinks done before we have an actual problem.”

You had remained calm in your tone and actions, the only thing giving you away being the tap of your freshly manicured nails against the counter in a weak-willed attempt to compose yourself. This couldn’t be the first time you’d put someone in their place, but what would Yeonjun need to do to make it him you were talking to?

“Y/N? Are you gonna be okay? You never get like that anymore.” The girl beside you speaks softly, giving a name to the face he couldn’t take his eyes off. Yeonjun was starstruck by your attitude, allured by the nature of which you held yourself, and enthralled by your looks.

“I’ll be fine, Soo. Just not in the mood to start another fight if I don’t have to. Little brat has a silver spoon written all over her.” You calm down once again, watching the younger girl as she leans on you to calm herself. You were used to people giving you issues, but you wouldn’t let any extra stress damage Soo= if it could be helped.

“Okay, just remember to breathe so you don’t go to prison. I can’t bail you out if you do.” Soo responds with a shy smile, her voice timid as she places her hands on her hips while looking around the store.

That was when she noticed the attractive dirty blonde’s eyes on the pair. A smirk crosses her face at the realization that Yeonjun was eyeing you.

“Here.” The drinks are slammed on the counter in front of you, prompting a ten to be thrown at her as your friend grabs the items. “Buy some manners with it, pretty girl.”

With a final smirk, you walk to a table located near the front windows right beside him. Soo-ah had picked it, dragging you along before making you sit down.

You probably seemed like a bitch, but there were things you wouldn’t tolerate. It just so happens that you were well-known to start fights over them. Just the other day, you split your knuckle on a guy who was acting creepy toward a girl on the subway. And while it wasn’t you who started problems, you always seemed to finish them.

That was your curse.

“You know, you could easily just ignore people like her. Other people are ignoring it.” Soo-Ah speaks up, bringing you from whatever stray thoughts were plaguing your mind.

“What’s the fun in that?” Yeonjun closes his laptop as he speaks, facing the two of you with a small smile on his lips. Your eyes dig into him, gauging his movements with a newfound interest.

He was the hottest guy you’d seen in this town. Ever.

Looking up and down, you see the toned thighs fighting the ripped-up skinnies and biceps straining the fabric when he crosses his toned arms over his chest. Have you seen him before? Surely you wouldn’t overlook someone who looked like HIM.

“Like something you see? Y/N right? I’m Yeonjun.” That catches you off guard, face reddening under the blush you had applied previously and nearly showing through as you choke on your coffee.

“How the fuck do you know my name.” Your tone is suspicious, watching him point at your friend and smile. Perfectly white teeth flashing in your direction was enough for you to cross your legs.

“She said it by the counter. Pretty name for such a pretty face.” He leans forward then, leaving your eyes to pick up on the pink-tinted lenses he had in his eyes.

“Well, Yeonjun. I dare say this isn’t a conversation that included you. That can start fights too~” The tone is playful, you leaning forward with your friend backing up with a slightly entertained look on her face.

Yeonjun then gets his coffee, nodding to the girl as he takes a sip of the gently flavored coffee.

“And I’m interested. So it looks like you’ll have to find a middle territory, won’t you?” His tone drops, watching you tense and become a bit more frustrated with each word he teases you with. He had never met a woman as rebellious and snide the way you were. It was all direct. Nothing was hidden by you in any way. Blunt was the word.

“Fine. I’ll tell you now then. I’m not the dating type, nor am I the ‘let’s have fun and do it for a month’ type. I don’t think you want to sign up for anything with me. If you still want to play, you’ll realize I’m not worth the trouble sooner or later and leave. So I suggest not sticking around, baby.”

“You think that scares people like me away? I like trouble. I like the struggle. Come to La Luna if you decide to show any interest, doll. The bar on 5th Avenue? My band plays this Friday.” Yeonjun speaks in a sultry tone, now looking for a reaction from you.

“You’re just trying to get under my skin, now.”

A knowing grin passes Soo-ah’s expression. She knew exactly what was going on in your brain at that exact second. She knew you were interested in the way your lips curled when the two of you made eye contact; even though you hated it.

He’s trouble. And you like that.

He chuckles and moves into a seat across from you, raising a brow and licking his lips. “So what if I am? You’re fun to mess with already. I bet that anger isn’t the only thing that makes you entertaining.”

This little shit was going to make you crazy. You might catch a charge if he keeps going on like this. Cocky with a bad attitude, just like you. This man was a mirror and you had no idea how to handle it. You had moved to get up, an angrier expression at play now. You were ready to jump him.

“You son of a “

“Okay! That’s enough of that. Y/N we have to meet Kai now. Let’s go.” Soo-Ah speaks in a rush, grabbing your arm with a startled face as Yeonjun giggles and leans back in the seat.

“Fine. Let’s go.” Your voice is wispy as your heart races, eyes scanning the man with a bit of attraction that you couldn’t attempt to hide. You start walking away with your drinks, a deep sigh leaving your lips as you do so.

“La Luna at 11 Friday! Don’t be late!” He calls after you with a smile, and for the first time in years, your heart flutters.

——————————————

“Sounds like a total ass. I would have punched him.” Your best friend, Kai speaks. From the second you got in the door, you were complaining about the gorgeous man who decided to push every button he could. Kai, being the angel he is, did nothing but listen as you paced back and forth. He was always patient with you and that meant the world. He was one of the only men you had ever let into your life. And the only one that ever stayed.

“I almost did! Wanted to ruin his stupid pretty face but she wouldn’t let me!”

“That’s why I stopped you. He was pretty AND had eyes on you before we even got into it with the barista. He invited you to go see him on Friday if you decided to stop being an ass.” The woman replies with a sly smile, looking to Kai for support to be dissatisfied with the sight before her.

He was upset.

“My show is Friday. We got a gig and have to go before we lose hope in this whole band thing. My guitar would get dusty.” He speaks softly, feeling you sink into his arms with a small sigh. He was used to you demanding love by now, seeing as you only ever went to him for it.

“We can go. Fuck that guy anyways.” You speak softly into his chest, making him smile as he plays with your hair. Soo-Ah used to accuse you of dating him, seeing as you acted like you were married. She learned along the way just how much you hated relationships, even when you yearn for affection.

The truth was that you were scared. Every single man you dated was bad. Comically bad. The last one had even taken a bet on you with his friends back home. The fear of being hurt or abandoned was strong in your mind with each attempt people made to be with you. There was an excuse each time.

This time it was that he was too pretty.

“What are you thinking about, princess? You never space out like this.” Kai speaks into your ear, noticing your absolute silence. You were practically the back of his hand, Kai having every single line and freckle memorized. From the first day, he was your rock.

“I just feel stupid. He was cute.” He tsks at your answer and chuckles, tugging a tiny strand of your hair as a way of teasing you.

“And you feel stupid why?” You look at him and groan at the inquirer with contempt.

“I can’t even think about letting someone in like that now. Yet I almost wanted to go just to taunt him.”

“Well, that’s not a good idea. Come to MY show and get good drinks. Forget about it, okay?” A small smile overtakes his face, soothing you before moving to stand and grab his guitar and play. You always loved seeing the man play, his eyes passionate and heart on his sleeve when he plays for you. The way he was when you were alone together was presented to others only when he played. It was raw, strong, and heartfelt.

Everything that made you love this idiot in the first place.

————————————-

Soo-Ah left a few hours later, no longer interested once her current plaything asked her to come to hang out. The girl had a new flavor every week, but you wouldn’t tell her that. Habits die hard, and she hadn’t gotten hurt yet. Choosing to play around was on her, and you’d be there for every step of her journey with dating and life.

Being alone with Kai was something you considered sacred. Something you got rarely and never took for granted when you got it. Whether it be a movie or the two of you out on the town, you always treasured the small amounts of time you got solo with the man.

To say he adored your company was a sad understatement. Any time he got a chance to have you alone, he was doing it with no questions asked. Kai had spent ages watching from a distance back before you were close, and once he got in he was stuck by you like there was a magnet.

He has spoiled you rotten since that day. The damn fool even bought you a motorcycle when you finally turned 21. With a sigh, you move to the couch across from him even though you knew that distance wouldn't exist long.

“Kai?”

“Yes, Y/N?”

“Why do you care so much? I used to bully you for even breathing near me and Soo. So why didn’t you give up?”

This gets his attention, pulling his eyes to your lying form as a smile contorts his pretty face.

“Well, for starters… You made my life interesting. I was bored with people constantly giving me attention for being attractive as you put it. You never give me selfish or biased attention. I love that. You also don’t have expectations for me aside from general conversations.” Kai speaks in a gentle tone, standing from his seat to languidly make his way over to the couch. Seeing your body sprawled doesn’t deter him one bit, the male simply lifts you back into his lap after he sits.

“And even then, you know I love you no matter what. That isn’t going to change and I won’t be going anywhere. I want to see you grow and change in life. It’ll be worth it for me.” He was always sentimental with you, making your fears vanish into nothing each time he had the chance to hear the fears leave your mind. This was special to him. Being able to see a raw side of you was something he prided himself on. He knew that he was the only one you dropped the facades around.

“I love you too, Kai. I never really say it, but I do.” This draws a beautiful smile across his face, one filled with sincerity and adoration for you. One he hardly ever had. It reached his eyes and heart.

“Let’s get some rest and then get ready for Friday. You need to take your bike if you want to be able to park. Leave the rest to me. Three days.” At that moment a knock on the door sounds and a whine leaves Kai’s throat as he gets out from under your body; as soon as he answers, you get up and head to the bedroom to steal his bed while you could.

The door slams shut behind him, a muffled complaint heard from your friend hinting at this being unexpected.

“Dude I need to practice and my guitar is being fixed. You know Jun will kill me if I don’t have everything ready for Friday.” The opposing voice speaks quickly, stress and panic lacing his voice with each passing moment.

“Well can’t you come back later? I was heading to bed.”

“You stay up most of the night. Don’t lie.” A sigh leaves Kai as he walks to the bedroom and tosses you one of his hoodies. He hadn’t answered this Beomgyu person yet, and instead decided to put you in his hoodie and have you come out more modestly than the shorts and bra you had been in since getting here. You never stayed fully dressed if you didn’t have to.

“Put that on before this idiot barges in here. Gyu is our lead guitarist. Be lucky it isn't Soobin. Bassist. Our vocalist never bothers me this much. Annoying.”

You slip the hoodie on with a tiny nod, having never really known much about the band or asked for that matter. It was his business and he tells you things when he wants to.

“Dude, what the hell are you doing in h- Who’s she? Your girlfriend or something?” The door bursts open to show a taller man with honey-brown hair and eyes to match, dressed in a graphic shirt and black pants paired with a blazer coat. He had style for someone who had been called annoying.

“This is Y/N. The girl I ‘ditched’ you for at practice? The one I’ve known since all of us were kids? She knows Hyun too. Ask him if it’s that much of an issue.” Kai speaks gruffly, walking back to the living room with his amp in hand. This left you to be alone with the man in front of you.

“So you aren’t a thing, then. I’m Beomgyu. Lead Guitarist. He talks about you a fair bit. Never tells us anything of gravity.” Beomgyu speaks in a softer voice now, extending a hand that you refuse instantly. You then walk past him, looking over your shoulder.

“I’m Y/N. A vocalist for music I never share. Never heard your name, but heard of the guitarist who breaks a string once a week.” You walk to Kai after that, seeing him finishing up the amp with a concentrated face.

“Why the face, Kai?” You ask him in a soft tone, your voice seeming to melt the tension off of his shoulders.

“The cord has damage, so I was patching it up the other day. Now the stupid thing isn’t working. I would have to use my high-performance amp and that one might get too loud for such a small space.” His tone is steely, showing every bit of frustration clearly in his eyes.

“The music center is nearby. Why don’t we just run to get the cable and get chicken or something on the way? Maybe bug Taehyun about coming to help us out.”

Your solution seems to stop Kai from further annoyance, watching as he stands up to get his shoes, but before he can get his keys you flash your own with a grin.

“Oh hell no. You drive like there aren’t laws, Y/N.” He speaks with a nervous face, Beomgyu now standing by the amp with a tiny smile at the panicked younger male.

“I drive or I don’t go. I’ve gotten better at following the rules~”

“Yeah. Let her drive, you little stickler.” Beomgyu pipes in, making the evil smile on your dewy skin amplify.

“I like him. You’re cool.” You speak to the two with a laugh, slipping your boots back on your feet and tying your hair into a secure knot. You always drove a little crazy, enjoying the rush of letting go. Kai hated it, having been the one to teach and attempt to control your chaotic ass on the road.

“Fine. If we get pulled over, I’m driving home. No arguing and no complaints.” He then walks out the door, leaving his helmet behind in contradiction to his concerns about you controlling the bike.

“You have him under your spell if he lets you take the reins, pretty girl. Don’t kill him too soon.” The elder male pipes up, smiling playfully at you the moment you walk out with a smile of your own.

“I could never. He’s the world to me.” The words leave in a small voice, one he can hardly hear past the keys as you close the door and rush down the steps. You knew Kai was your ride-or-die, but you hadn’t expected someone to point out his adoration.

“Let’s get this done! I texted Hyun and he said he would look into coming over. our bassist has him by the dick about some stupid crap. You might meet Soobin and Odi tonight if he decides to be a brat about it.”

With that said, you straddle the seat of your bike and smirk at the hesitant male who wants nothing more than to trade spots. Once he gets on, his hands go to your hips and adjust you to make more room for his form before sliding up your waist. His arms wrap around you firmly before he leans his head into your shoulder and mumbles a small ‘ready’ to alert you.

“Don’t know who Odi is, but I’m about to have fun with this. Hold on tight, baby.” You tease Kai with a loud rev, peeling down the street with a slightly concerning speed.

“It’s his hedgehog! Cute, but kind of hates us!” He speaks loudly in your ear, drawing a laugh from you while you turn down streets. The grip Kai had on you was stronger during turns, the younger male wanting to keep stable in his place behind you as best he could.

A red light stops you close to the shop you need to head into, a small smile on your face when you look over at him and wink.

“Almost there! Then after this, we can head to 678 and grab some chicken and beer. If I need to meet your members, I say it’s about time.”

———-

“Alright give me like ten minutes and I’ll be back. Keep parked for me, okay?” Kai speaks gently after you both pull in, smiling at you when he runs in. You were happy to relax and wait, knowing he always kept promises to you.

“Well look who it is! Why are you sitting outside instead of in there?” A familiarly irritating voice drawls to your left, making your eyes roll back into your skull. Why was he here?

“Why are you bothering me is the real question.” You retort with a fake yet pretty smile, watching the smirk on his face grow.

“the band and I always come here for things, and I have NEVER seen your pretty face here,” Yeonjun responds with ease, watching you get off the bike and lean on it.

“Well too bad. My best friend gets his supplies here and he needs a new amp cable before his bandmate gets killed.” You speak bitterly, watching him like a hawk as he gets closer.

Yeonjun was close now, breath against your lips and cologne filling your sinuses. The smell was that of sea salt and rose mixed with cigarettes and cedar wood. He smelt as good as he looked, hair wet and pushed away from his face.

“Oh I’m actually over the moon at seeing you here, baby. I mean look at you.” He speaks playfully, caging you against the bike now and chuckling at the gasp you release. Was he trying to intimidate you?

“Okay, we can leave. Yeonjun? Why are you all over her?” Kai stops in shock, eyeing the two of you with worry written on his face.

“This is the guy from the Black Hare. You know, the one who tried and failed to flirt and nearly got punched?” You respond to your friend with a raised brow, smiling when Yeonjun goes rigid.

“Wait! My bandmate was the guy you were telling me and Hyun about when you were on the phone?” He walks up as Yeonjun backs away, giving you a chance to breathe when Kai whispers in your ear.

“The gorgeous one who was dressed like a god? Want me to tell him that?”

“Shut up!” You shove him, seeing him laugh and smile yourself. He never let you have peace, but that was okay as long as you had him.

“Yes, it’s this guy. I take it Jun is him. Vocals?”

“That would be correct. And that means you’re the one he constantly ditches for. And the bike was the one he bought for you. Good to know how… close we could have been if he wasn’t so protective.”

“Jun, don’t start being an ass about me not wanting you all over her like you are now.” Kai butts in, looking annoyed when he does so. Did he piss Kai off?

“Huening Kai, I’m interested in her. I’m not going to hurt her for fucks sake.” Yeonjun spits his words, looking at you with a slight bit of frustration in his eyes. He hadn’t expected you to be in his loop. He would have never guessed you were the woman Kai was always focused on.

“Can we maybe not? If I decide to be friends with them, that’s on me. If not then we can tolerate one another. You know my rules.” You speak to the slightly angry man you adore, grabbing the bag with a smile before packing it up.

“Let’s finish our plans up, hm? Beomgyu is waiting for the amp and everything else. I’m hungry.”

Kai lets out a tired sigh in response, watching you throw your leg over the bike and scoot forward to make room for him to climb on. A tiny smile brightens his face then, the male in question answers you playfully.

“Let’s go. Chicken, beer, home. I’ll pay for that sweet soju you like too. As a treat.” He walks forward and climbs on, pulling your hips flush to him and laughing.

“Sure thing. Yeonjun, if you need anything, call me or Gyu. Hyun and Soobin should be heading over later on. If you finally decide to practice with us, head over tonight.” Kai speaks in a nicer tone this time, smiling gently as you rev the engine and laugh.

“I’ll think about it. You know Soobin’s going to annoy the hell out of her. Talk later.” Yeonjun walks inside, the two of you getting the chicken and beer before heading back to the house in comfortable silence.

—————-

When you get back around an hour later, the first greetings are from Taehyun and a man you assume is the infamous Soobin.

“Dude, what took so long!? Beomgyu said we had to wait outside for you to get back!”

The tallest of them, dark hair in his eyes, speaks in a frantic tone, looking a bit frustrated as you notice a little nose peep from his sleeve. That had your focus.

You were practically vibrating with excitement at the little creature. Kai noticed it, too.

“Y/N, this is Soobin. Soobin, Y/N. And the little nose you’re so jittery about is Odi. Yeonjun should be here soon if he has any se-“

A loud motorcycle cuts him off. The rather tall male you had been battling jumped off once parked. The fifty minutes it took for you to get chicken and beer was enough for him to shower and change, now in a mesh top and leather pants paired with a tattered red crop top. How was he so hot?

After a few seconds of silence, you decide to go inside to stop any conversation with the man. You couldn’t even think after seeing his toned stomach. This man was too much.

“Why did she run off like that?” Taehyun speaks up with a confused expression, knowing you to be a bitch with a respectful flair.

“He’s the guy from the coffee place.”

“Wait, she's the girl who nearly punched you?” Soobin speaks up in shock, now looking entertained while Yeonjun turns a gentle shade of red.

“Can we go inside now?” The eldest mumbles in embarrassment, Odi hissing as he walks past them all. He hated when people started teasing him. It gets annoying fairly often when dealing with his bandmates.

As he goes up the steps, the three others follow him closely with small smirks adorning each of their faces. He never reacted that way to their teasing. You must have some sort of magical ability to make yourself a touchy subject.

You had taken a seat beside Beomgyu, the two of you talking about different music and fashion. You had similar tastes. When the door opens, you let out a tiny whine of protest.

“Let’s practice, guys. I came here because I never really go to our weekly rehearsals and Kai isn't very happy about that.” The eldest speaks up in a stern tone, leading all of them to follow him into the practice room. You had practically gone mute since they came inside, sticking close to the two you were most acquainted with.

On the way down into the basement area Soobin comes beside you, poking your side with a shy smile. He was charming to you, catching your attention with his hand pulling the prickly little creature from his hiding place.

“Do you want to hold him while we practice?” The soft voice hits you with a comfortable feeling. You feel that you can trust Soobin.

An excited squeal leaves you, making a rather startled Taehyun turn to you in shock. Once he sees your hands reaching out for a fairly pissed-off Odi, he smiles. With a small nudge to Kai, the two younger men silently coo at your cute reactions.

Once he was in your hands, his spines slowly started to go down, showing him to be a bit more comfortable with the transfer. You then move around parts of the hoodie, petting Odi to prevent any stress from the movements. His interest becomes similar to that of where he was before, rooting his way into your sleeve with a few hissing sounds.

“I'll make sure to take care of him.” You respond in a quiet voice, matching him with a tiny smile to the creature that took residence in your sleeve. The actions of Odi had drawn a bit of shock from Beomgyu, the five of them knowing just how much the hedgehog hated everyone aside from his owner.

“I'm surprised he likes you so much. Took Soobin months to get Odi to even come out of his hiding spots.” Yeonjun speaks coolly, causing a negative response from the little hedgehog. The moment you feel his spines prickling you, a hiss leaves your lips in protest of it. He must not be very fond of people if a voice can make him startle so easily.

“He should calm down soon. He likes music…” Soobin mumbles from your side, looking a bit flustered at how easily you had relaxed with his beloved pet. A smile crosses your face when you nod, nudging the shy man with your shoulder before you all enter the practice area and take your places around the vast room.

You had taken residence on a blue suede loveseat, watching Soobin tune a bass guitar while the others prepared their instruments of choice. Yeonjun, however, was humming to himself while zoned out in the corner. This gave you a better chance to look him over. This time without prying eyes.

The way his hair settled over his left eye, the sharpness of his jawline… But that wasn’t where you fixed your gaze. You had honed in on the plush, pink flesh of the man's lips. They were slightly bitten, parted as he sang breathily to himself. He had on a tinted balm, making his lips even prettier. You continue to admire them, watching as a cherry sucker was pushed into his mouth to rest on his tongue. The thought of the things he could do with just his mouth had you feeling warm.

Kissing down your back, licking at the skin when he wasn't sinking his teeth into the supple flesh. Nipping your ear with each deep thrust he tormented your body with. His lips would be so gentle yet so harsh at the same time, whispering filthy words into your ear with that pretty smile across his face.

“He’s gonna notice you if you don’t stop, you know.” The quiet voice of Taehyun breaks your train of thought, face turning a deep scarlet as you feel your arm get scratched up. You never got a break between him and Soo-Ah. You look over at him with an annoyed face, unsure of how to handle this.

“You just love being a thorn, don’t you? Don’t start with me tonight, Hyunnie.” You mumble shyly, looking back to Yeonjun to see him staring right at you this time. His eyes were full of mischief, lips puckered around the candy now. Without thinking, you glance down and watch the way he licks and sucks at the candy. He then stands up, walking over to you before taking the candy from his lips.

“You aren’t very discrete, are you?” He taps the fruit-flavored candy on your lips while speaking, Taehyun walking away quickly. He knew the whole time and never said a word; Never once hinting at knowing you were eyeing him.

After a few seconds of silence, he shoves the candy into your mouth, a surprised gasp being your only response to the man and his actions.

“Hold on to it for me, okay princess?” A small wink places emphasis on his words, the flirtatious man walking to the mic with a chuckle as you keep the candy in your mouth.

“Good girl…” he mutters under his breath, catching the attention of Soobin who wears a knowing smirk. He had seen Yeonjun through every bit of his life. He watched Yeonjun get his hopes up and his heart broken until he couldn’t take anymore and returned the favor.

He knew Yeonjun was going all in, but would you?

——————————

“What do I even wear? Is this place casual?” You speak to a fairly entertained Soobin, unsure of what to wear for the bar trip you were taking to see them play. He had shown up in leather, but that was something you had yet to own much of.

“What about the dark green strappy one in the back? It would fit the atmosphere and make you look pretty. I saw a photo of you in it.” He speaks softly, a smile clear on his face when he pulls it from the closet.

“Put it with those platform shoes over there and it’ll look super classy. Maybe put a leather jacket over it?” He continues, handing you the dress to fetch the other items mentioned. One thing you learned over the last two days was he had style.

He was also an absolute angel to you. That was why he was here helping you.

“Thank you, Soobin. I knew I could count on you!” The playful tone makes him giggle, shoving you into the dressing room area so you would hurry up and change.

And you had to hand it to him, you looked hot. The dress fit perfectly around your hips and waist, covering the front while most of your back and ribs stayed exposed. The thin straps were silver, matching the shoes he had recommended. Adding your biker jacket would suit the colors beautifully. Once you grab the jackets you have, your eyes drift to the one the boys had left here when they came to watch a movie this afternoon.

It was riddled with buckles and zippers, most of them having been added by the person in question. It also fits you gorgeously. With a small grin, you grab the jacket and put it on over the dress. The older male doesn’t miss a beat, chuckling at the painted, white letters on the back of the sleeve telling him who the article of clothing belongs to.

“It looks amazing.” He speaks cooly, spinning you gently before leading you to the door.

The drive to La Luna was slow, the two of you laughing and cracking jokes the whole time. After a while, the street ahead clears and he pokes your side to challenge you.

“Let’s tear out! I know you want to.” He speaks up, a sly grin on his face when you rev the engine and giggle.

“Hold on, princess. You asked for it.” Your words make him chuckle, gripping you tightly when you launch through the empty streets and laugh.

—————-

God, you were glad you had help getting dressed. Everyone was in leather and studs, making the outfit Soobin put together look luxurious without drawing a ton of attention to you.

The bar was packed with leather and satin-clad individuals, some smoking and some not.

A few people move around you, stuck in their worlds. Maybe La Luna was a place you would go to more frequently.

“I have to go get dressed. Every performer here has something they wear to pull attention. A shock factor or attention grabber. Try to keep your jaw off the floor for me.” Soobin teases you a bit, rushing to the back rooms with a smile to the bodyguard.

With a small huff, you sit at the front. A man walks over with a face you recognize and an apron you didn’t.

“Hey, Yuta. Didn’t expect to see you here.” You speak in a calm tone, watching as he sets down a glass with what looked like White Russian inside.

“My favorite. Thank you. Speaking of favorites, have you heard from Mark?” You wink at the man, him nodding over to the bar where you see a rather calm-looking Mark with newly pink hair.

“There he is, but you probably came here to see your future husband~” Yuta teases you, grinning at the annoyance lacing your features. He was the same as he was before you graduated.

“Shut it, you goblin. Yes, I’m here for them.” You land a small punch on his arm, smiling a bit as you drink the smooth mix. You could tell this was made by Mark as well, having been his lab rat when he was learning last year before you left that awful school and finished your work online.

As he was coming up with retaliation, the owner of the bar stepped onto the stage. Smiling at you once he recognizes your face. His name was Kun. You knew that much.

“Please welcome your music for the night, everyone. Warm welcome.” You then watch as they all step on, your eyes widening at the intensity of the outfits. How in the hell were those comfortable?

Each of them was in leather head to toe, the outfits covered in belts and buckles down to their boots. Each of them had some type of individuality despite their outfits all being similar. Soobin had a more sleek style, the mandarin collar covering half of his neck. Kai had a harness situation, drawing eyes to the belts around his chest and up to his ethereal face. The lines of the two outfits were perfectly suited to their owners. The next to catch your eye is Beomgyu. His fit was perfect. Taehyun was relaxing in the back, making it a bit hard to see his figure.

Then there was him.

The moment Yeonjun stepped onto the stage, he had all of your attention. From his silver hair down to the pointed black boots he adorned. The buckles were mostly around his arms, the harness pressing into him in every place it could.

With a tiny giggle, Yuta stands up to deliver more drinks. The look on his face tells you that he noticed your gaze on the older male. That would be interesting to deal with later on. When you look back up, you see Yeonjun pull a sucker from his lips and smile while handling the mic.

“Hi, everyone. Thank you to those who came to see us, and to those who didn't. Our name is TbyT and this is our song ``Can't You See Me.”

Once the music starts, you seem to feel every emotion possible while listening. The beginning draws across your skin in goosebumps, the men taking turns singing with Yeonjun in the lead.

‘I’m yours, You were mine Secrets of the world That eternal promise was like magic Our Scintilla bloomed underneath the starlight Now see them burn in fire Turned into ruins, our memories into ashes’

The song plays loud, their voices melding into a smooth melody as it slips through the bar. So this was what Kai meant in the past.

‘ With resentment, my heart is heavy Cuz you don’t understand me To make my resentment stop, please Take my hand, once again’

A small chill rolls throughout you, eyes locking with Yeonjun’s. Raw emotions passed through his face in waves. Hurt, frustration, sadness… All of the feelings he hid behind cockiness and disinterest were in the light now. What had he gone through?

‘ Crumbled sand castle, who’s a liar Dancing fire at the end of the world Can’t you hear it? My voice searching for you Once again I’m left alone “Save me”

Can’t you see me? Like on that magical day, say “Believe me” My heart incinerated, come and feel me; feel me Oh can’t you see me? My friends don’t understand me, no…

Bad bad hope it’s just a painful dream Sad sad return me to your side again ‘

After a bit more, the song finishes. They all smile and bow at the gentle applause, preparing for the next song on their list. Yeonjun, however, steps down and walks to you with an evil little grin on his face. The candy in his mouth was half gone when removed, and your eyes caught on the plush pink lips that were tight in his smile.

“You must like me to have my name on you, princess.” His voice is playful this time, eyes fixed on the right sleeve where the white letters had been painted on in vinyl. With a shocked look on your face, you remove the jacket and glare over at Soobin, who had a cocky look in his eyes.

“I didn’t even know it was yours. Here.” The words leave in a quiet hiss, the tall male now inches away with a tiny grin over his features.

“And? You still wore my jacket which, as you know by now, has my name on it. You smell like me too, so that makes you mine~” Yeonjun smiles and presses his knee into your thigh, effectively pinning your form between him and the table.

“You’re instigating.”

“So what. You’re the only interesting person here. If I get hit, it’ll be worth it. So do it.”

Anger bubbles in your chest at his words, the pit forming in your stomach now heavy and dark. With a deep breath, you move closer and smile. You weren’t losing to your anger tonight. When you get within a foot of him, a tiny giggle leaves his throat.

“You know what? Yes, I have your name on me right now. And I also probably smell like your perfume because of this jacket. The thing is, I could care less. And by the way..” You smirk and grab the sucker by the stick, pulling it from his lips with a pop. Displaying a small smile on your face, you push the candy into your mouth.

A look of pure shock crosses his expression as you tussle his hair and wink. “You would look good with a peachy pink in your hair. To bring out more of your complexion.” Yeonjun gawks at you for a moment, wondering what could have gone through your head at that moment.

With a final giggle, you move towards the bar and away from Yeonjun.

————————————————————

After some time, you find yourself seated at the bar while talking to Mark, enjoying the music from the band of men you’d grown accustomed to.

“So who was that guy you were messing with? A friend of yours?" The elder male questions you, voice laden with humor.

"God, no. More like a pain in my ass." You respond in a gruff tone, slamming back the shot of gin that had been placed in front of you by your friend.

"And yet you practically spit-swapped him," Yuta speaks up from behind you, taking the other shot with a pointed look. It was clear he wasn't going to be letting you get hazed tonight.

"So what if I did? He did it to me first."

"Are you leading him on? Because last time I checked you refused to date anyone." Mark asks in a matter-of-fact tone, smiling when you choke on your drink.

Were you stringing Yeonjun along? Where was this going between the two of you? Were you toying with him? No. You wanted him. Every fiber of your being wanted that man, but you wouldn't admit it out loud. Not yet.

"I don't know what the fuck I'm doing if I'm honest. This whole thing started of nowhere and now he's EVERYWHERE. But… I don't mind it. It's refreshing to have him around even when it IS pissing me off. All of them are amazing if I'm honest. Beomgyu is funny, Soobin is my guardian angel, Kai is my universe, Taehyun is super sweet when he's not being a smartass… And Yeonjun is as spunky and rude as me. It just works."

"So you're saying you want to stick your tongue down his throat, but don't want to deal with another Doyoung situation," Mark speaks before moving back, expecting a hurricane of rage to leave your lips. But nothing happens. Not even a sharp look.

Your lack of response shellshocked Yuta, eyes bulging from his skull at Mark's haphazard mention of your ex. He knew better than that. But something was different this time.

"You know what, fuck it. I don't care about that jackass anymore. It's such a drag, honestly." You throw back one last shot, grabbing the cigarette from behind Mark's ear along with the lighter you knew would be in Yuta's left apron pocket.

You sigh to yourself, standing from your seat before walking to the back door. You weren't sure why you suddenly felt the need to run off. Nor were you understanding the reaction you had.

It wasn't normal for you to respond kindly OR walk away from the people you had grown accustomed to. No matter what, you had never just walked off.

Leaning back against the cool concrete wall, you look up at the sky. It was a bit cold tonight, your breath just barely visible as you let out a sigh of exasperation.

"I'm fucking ridiculous…" You chuckle out, placing the filter in your mouth and lighting the other end, the strong menthol flavor nearly causing you to choke.

With each exhale, you feel less and less care for the aforementioned male. Less hurt, less anger, less confusion.

"You look like you could use some company." The voice of Kun pulls you out of your mind, a gentle smile on the man's face when recognition glints in your eyes.

"Do I, old man? You're one to talk." He chuckles and stands beside you, taking the cigarette from you to take a drag for himself. The familiarity of it all was comforting.

.

"Oh, I know. Gonna tell me why Yuta looks like a deer in headlights and keeps hitting my bartender?" You smile at his words and look over at him, eyes filled with humor and relief.

"Well, Mark mentioned Doyoung. That's why he's getting slapped. My reaction to it was probably what scared our poor Yuta."

Kun raises a brow, unsure of what to say in response. He hadn't been too present with you, but he knows what pisses you off

"I just… I didn't feel anything. About him. So I didn't react at all. Just decided to come smoke one of Mark's cheap nasty menthols and let it be."

A smile graces the elder male's face, eyes on the ground as you both continue passing the cigarette back and forth to one another. His next words bring a smile to your face. One that could rival the sun.

"You finally moved on, then?"

You take a moment before answering, letting the comment sink in fully.

"I did."

---------------------------

After a couple of hours, you find yourself in Kai's living room with the five of them, sitting on the floor with various drinks.

"Let's play a game," Beomgyu speaks up, eyes flitting to land on you. This wasn't going to go well.

"Drink or dare?" Huening Kai suggests in a teasing voice, eyes running up and down your figure. This causes your fight or flight to kick in, and hazy memories of skinny dipping in December come to mind.

"Hell no! You'll target me!" You squeal in a panicked voice, cringing at the memories playing behind your eyes. The boys start to argue amongst themselves, all wanting to play different things.

All except Yeonjun, who was tapping at his phone with a bored expression. He seemed as used to their antics as a bird to morning fog.

"Fine! Let's just play double down. It's easy. You answer the question or you take a double shot of whatever the challenger gives you." Taehyun eventually caves and the others fall into an agreement.

"Y/N, you first," Soobin speaks beside you, eyes filled with mischief. This was going to be interesting.

With a smile, you grab random bottles and add a tiny amount of each to a shot glass, only speaking up after mixing the nightmare concoction.

"Soobin, what's one thing you've never told anyone in this room?" Your voice is like velvet, watching the man squirm nervously in his spot. He gulps down the lump in his throat, inhaling deeply as he eyes the shot.

With a small sigh, you hand over the glass with a glint in your eyes. One that told him he would regret it if he drank.

"I… Slept with Lea a while back." Soobin mumbles quietly, eyes on the ground to avoid the thoroughly appalled eyes of your best friend.

"I'm not even going to ask. Taehyun, your turn. Y/N, keep that shot for now until someone drinks." Kai speaks cooly, eyes drifting to the second youngest in the room.

"Yeonjun, I've noticed you keep staring at a certain someone. Want to tell us why?" Taehyun speaks in a playful tone, holding out the shot with a raised brow and an evil grin. You knew there had been eyes lingering on you, but you hadn’t anticipated Tae being forward about it.

He knew damn well that either way Yeonjun was in a corner. This upsets the elder a bit, his brows knitting as his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes then drift to you again, face contorting into a bit of embarrassment.

"You little shit. I'm not drinking that. I started staring when I met them. They're angry, funny, and fucking sexy all at once. Stubborn and still loving as well. Why wouldn't someone stare at the whole package?"

You feel yourself turn a deep crimson, a tingle running up your spine at the thought of him staring at you whenever your eyes weren't on him was flattering, to say the least.

The two of you hold intense eye contact, neither of you daring to look away from the other. A heavy tension surrounds you both, your mind thinking back to the interaction earlier.

What you fail to notice is the grin across Kai’s face. From the moment you first spoke about the man in the cafe, he knew you had bluffed about hating the man. He knows you like a challenge."

“Whole package, hm? So you admit you’ve been set on me?” A smirk appears on your face now as the man unwraps yet another lollipop and sticks it on his cheek. Your eyes drift down once again to his plush lips, mind spinning as he slowly licks over them with intent.

“Oh, for sure. I’ve never gone this far out of my way to get a girl to notice me. Ask Kai.” Yeonjun jerks his head in the direction of the youngest, eyes filled with a mix of determination and cockiness.

Beomgyu claps his hands with his eyes widened. “Back on topic! Y/N, What kink are you shyest about?” The question throws you off in an instant as you knock back the disgusting combination on impulse. The burn is nothing compared to the taste, both mixing into a gasoline-esque mix of terrible.

“Damn!” The shocked curse that leaves Kai when you choke is enough to make everyone chuckle at your antics. Soobin moves closer, patting your back with a shy grin when you glare in his direction.

“Fuck. I hardly even heard the question before. Shit!” You choke out your words, breathing heavily as you try to recover. Yeonjun thinks about making a move to help but freezes up when Kai moves to your side faster.

Yeonjun feels so far but so close in that moment, eyes casting down as Taehyun watches with a sly smile on his face.

"I'll still answer. I… have a spit kink." Your face flames with heat as Yeonjun snaps to meet your gaze in a bit of shock. Fuck, you were hotter every time you opened your mouth.

Soobin grins as he stands up, whispering for Kai to move as well. They share a glance with Beomgyu then, the man nodding as he shoves Yeonjun beside you and giggles.

"Hey, what the fuck!" Yeonjun is fast to respond, face beet red when his hand brushes your own. You had watched in shock, eyes fixed on the others as Kai raised his hands in defense.

"Stop being a pussy!" Soobin says to the eldest and grins, watching as the two of you squirm. When Yeonjun goes to move away, you grab his arm and pull him down, sighing as you mumble a fast 'it's okay' to console his slight panic. This makes him slump down with a small pout.

The pout that makes you want to kiss him.

The game continues like that, everyone taking at least five shots before you move on to another game. All of you were laughing and having fun, Yeonjun staying close to you as best he could even in his slightly drunken state.

Hours later, you all end up sitting on the couch, talking about random things and joking around. This was when you decided to be a bit bold.

You reach an experimental hand out to his hair, eyes focused on Kai as he makes a scene out of his story. Yeonjun tenses a bit, glancing at you out of the corner of his eye in shock. When he sees you calm and smiling at his younger friend, he looks away and chuckles.

You continue to mess with his hair, watching his muscles tense with every tiny tug of his scalp. You could tell he was flustered by now, eyes glancing at him here and there to see him gulp or fidget. This entices you further, sobering you up as you grab the stick of the sucker he had recently gotten and tug it, placing the candy against your tongue as he watches your lips in awe.

"Why are you testing me so much, y/n?" The shaky whisper catches your attention quickly, your hand leaving his hair to rest on his bicep.

"Because you're taking too long to do something." You shrug along with your response, watching his eyes darken a fair bit as he stands. Soobin throws him a questioning glance, brow raised in confusion as the elder shrugs.

You turn your attention to the TV now, watching blankly as the scene carries on and Kai continues to banter away with Beomgyu and Taehyun. Yeonjun walks over to the door quietly, grabbing his keys before walking back and standing behind the couch where you sat.

His breath fans against the shell of your ear, the scent of cherry candy mixing with his cologne as he whispers. "If you want me, then just say it so I can take you to my place and fuck you already."

A smirk spreads over your face, head leaning back as you look him in the eyes. "I want you and have since the day I met you." A growl passes his lips.

In the next moment, you feel your body being yanked to the door as a very entertained Beomgyu shifts his attention to the two of you.

"No babies~ And try not to break anything!" Yeonjun doesn't make a single move to answer, practically dragging you outside and down the steps to his bike with determination. Yeonjun turns to face you now, using his arms to cage you against the wall. Your eyes look shyly into his, air catching in your throat as presses closer.

This position made you dizzy, eyes slipping shut as the scent of his cologne once again surrounds you with a feeling you couldn't describe.

"If you want me, get on. If not, go back inside. I won't force you." The words floor you, eyes trailing his body as he backs away to give you a chance to make your choice. A shaky breath leaves you, thighs clenching at the thought of what could happen if you get on that bike. You tilt your head to the side, watching as his hands tighten on the handles. Fuck it.

With a sigh, you climb on the motorcycle behind him, hands wrapping around his waist firmly as a way to convey how sincere you were. He growls again at this, his spine shivering pleasantly before he speeds the two of you to his apartment.

The tension by the time you got off the bike was palpable, both of you feeling hot for the other whilst walking up the steps to his door. Neither of you had stopped touching the other, hands groping at your sides as you grab onto his arms and yank him into a rough kiss before he can get his key in the door.

When it opens, the two of you tumble inside, lips clashing as you shove off his coat in desperation. This movement ignites a flame in Yeonjun, your back hitting a wall as he unties the back of your dress. His hips push closer to you, firm cock against your stomach making you whimper. You knew the man in front of you was likely to be big, but you hadn’t anticipated him to be huge like this. His eyes meet yours as he pulls away, hand wrapping around your throat. A loud whine leaves you, mouth opened a bit in shock.

“You’re fucking mine,” Yeonjun growls against your throat, pulling back and forcing your jaw open before spitting in your mouth. A broken whimper leaves you at the sensation, eyes hazing as he lifts you. Your legs wrap around his waist as a startled gasp leaves you, your body hitting a mattress seconds later.

“Tell me I can have you. I want to hear it.” His tone creates a deeper ache between your thighs, your mind spiraling with desperation and desire as you lean up and tug at his hair gently.

“Choi Yeonjun, I want you to fuck me so hard that we break the bed and fall through the floor.” You speak in a raspy voice, eyes fixed on the man as he instantly rips the dress apart due to his impatience. A complaint bubbles against your lips but is hushed by his two middle fingers being shoved in your mouth.

Seeing you gag on any part of him was heaven. Watching your eyes slip shut was bliss. Yeonjun felt like he had taken a drug, and that drug was you. In the next moment, his hand works down, groping at any skin he crossed as a shaky sigh leaves you both.

You felt as though you might explode, your body quivering and hot from the smallest of touches from the man on top of you. You tug at the collar of his shirt, pouting at him.

“You want it off?” All he gets is a nod, your hands still tugging as he pulls away. Yeonjun had dark eyes when he pulled the fabric from himself, hands moving to remove his pants right after to make it even between you both. You tug him back down to you, lips catching his once more with a passion he had never experienced.

A hand moves to cup your heat, causing a gasp to rip from your throat as Yeonjun stares down at the wet patch on your underwear. "You're already this fucking wet? I thought you hated me before this, baby." His voice is deep now, a low rumble that makes you feel as though you're being electrocuted.

"Never hated you…" You struggle to speak, words mangled as he rubs you through the thin lace fabric, eyes alight. The air was heavy with lust by now, bodies radiating heat with every new sensation.

Yeonjun continues teasing you this way for a while, mesmerized by the way your panties stuck to you. This quickly begins to agitate you, whines increasing in volume. His hand moves to your throat, applying enough pressure to make you dizzy.

“Don’t get impatient with me, baby. Good things come to those who wait.”

“Then hurry up, Jun. You waited this long for me, right? Good things.” The words come out breathlessly, your eyes meeting his when he finally snaps. Making quick work of your panties, he moves down your body and curses as you shiver under the cold air.

“You smell so good, Doll. Do you taste any better?” His words are punctuated by a long, searing stripe branding your core. A whining moan leaves you, hands flying into his hair as he chuckles and mumbles against your flesh.

“Fucking delicious.” With that he dives in, eating you like it was his reason for living. Your moans grow in volume now, loud pleas echoing off the navy-painted walls. You shriek when he nips at your bud, hands ripping at his hair in desperation. The sensation of his lips on you was enough to make you combust.

A guttural groan vibrates against your clit, legs trembling as he sucks against your clit. His middle finger presses to you, eyes looking up through his lashes to see your blissed-out expression.

Yeonjun then pulls back, sitting on his heels as your eyes snap open to peer at him. Your brows furrow when you notice his eyes fixed downward, a contemplative glint sparkling within them. You prop yourself up on your elbows, tilting your head in question.

“Why did you- Ah! Fuck!” You hit the mattress again when you feel three fingers slam into you with a loud sloshing sound. Yeonjun chuckles darkly at this, moving to loom over you with an evil grin when he pumps them into you. His pace is relentless, creating an intensity within you that had never been acknowledged as you dig your nails into his bicep.

“Aw, do you like that? How cute.” He coos, lips curled into a grin as you clench around him. Your eyes look into his own, fixating on the way his wavy hair cloaks his brown orbs with added lust.

“Answer me, Doll. Do you like that?” His tone shifts to condescending now, fingers slowing their assault as you buck your hips in sheer frustration. “Yes! I like it! Please don’t stop!”

A growl leaves his lips, fingers curling into your g-spot hard enough to make you lurch off the bed. Your moans get louder with every movement, that familiar knot beginning to coil for the first time tonight.

“Fuck, Jun!” You begin to squirm under his form, face scrunching up as he quickly moves down your body, lips capturing your clit again. The pleasure intensifies tenfold as you begin to see stars, gasping for air when he nips the sensitive bud.

“Gonna cum- Yeonjun I c-can’t!” You scream out, ripping at his scalp when he mumbles one last time to tip you over the edge.

“Cum.”

The dam bursts then, your eyes rolling back as a loud cry leaves you. Yeonjun continues at a slower pace, letting you ride out your high as he slips his boxers off with a small smile.

“Holy fucking shit.” The words leave you at the sight of his cock, eyes bulging at the sheer size of him.

“How the fuck are you planning to make that fit?” You speak in a small voice, face flushed as he moves between your legs. A sly smile and a wink meet your words, his eyes taking you in once again.

“Why do you think I jumped straight to three, baby? I didn’t want to torture you too much when we got to this part of the night.” All you can manage is to roll your eyes at this, yelping as he grabs your hips and drags you down the bed.

“Condom?” The question makes you giggle, a shrug being your initial response. One he didn't find funny. Yeonjun looks at you, unimpressed as you point to your arm.

“Implant. Just fuck me before I end up with cobwebs.” The comment draws a laugh from the man as he aligns himself with your entrance, eyes sparkling as he looks into yours. You feel your face flush, butterflies filling your belly at his beauty.

“Why are you looking at me like that right now?” you mumble out, looking away as he pushes into you with a groan. Your eyes widen at the stretch, a gasping moan flying from you, and your hands grab at his arms when he bottoms out.

“I just- really fucking like you. God, how are you this fucking tight?” A giggle slips from you at the remark, eyes closed with a thick swallow.

Yeonjun was panting already, muscles rippling as he tried to keep still for you to adjust. This urges you to buck your hips into him, a shallow groan hitting the air.

"You want to play like that, hm? Want to be a damn brat?" He rocks his hips into you with reckless abandon, lips going to the skin of your throat to bite down firmly in retaliation.

All you can do is moan by now, words garbled as your nails claw at his tanned skin as a way to ground yourself. Every sensation felt like a branding iron pressed into your nerves, fully overwhelming you into a mess within minutes.

When your legs move around his hips, Yeonjun feels himself get more desperate and locks his lips to yours. The kiss is like acid being poured over you both, hot and messy and filled with lust.

The two of you continue like that for a bit, his thrusts keeping their violent pace as he rocks into you with vigor.

“Fuck… you’re such a perfect little hole.” His words are hardly audible through the sounds of your moans, body tense and hot as he causes your body to slide up the bed. You clench tightly around him, pulling a deep moan from Yeonjun.

If there was anything that could put you on your knees, it was that fucking sound. That and his pretty little pout.

“Jun… please don’t stop!” The words are garbled, eyes rolling back as he moves a hand to your clit and begins rubbing it in firm circles.

The pressure builds steadily for you both as he spits on you again, a whine passing your lips in frustration. Everything about the man had you on edge, your body fighting to finish for him.

The feelings were catching up to Yeonjun by now, his eyes watering as he got closer to the edge. Your nails were digging crescents into him, your pussy tightened like a vice around his shaft.

“I’m close!” You speak in a whisper, body vibrating as he pinches your clit a few times in the midst of his ministrations. The tears gently begin to slip down his face as he bites his cheek to control himself.

A growl is all you get for a bit as his hips stagger, eyes screwed shut in concentration. Sweat beads on Yeonjun's forehead, sliding down his face as he gulps. His body was hot to the touch, his cock twitching every time you so much as whimper.

“Cum with me.” The words are enough to push you over, your molten core clenching around him like a vice as he follows suit.

Both of you ride through your high, slowing your paces as he collapses on top of you with heavy pants. The two of you stay there for a while, your hands carding through his hair gently as you both recover.

"I wasn't joking, Y/N… I really do like you." Yeonjun whispers after a bit, eyes looking up at your face. You break into a small smile, meeting his eyes to see that same sparkle lighting them again.

"I like you too. I didn't want to admit it, but let's just say everyone but you and I knew about it." The words pull a dreamy sigh from the male, his body leaning up as his lips capture your own in a delicate kiss.

This was different from any other you’d experienced, full of emotion and adoration you had never felt before. You close your eyes, leaning closer as if that was possible.

After a moment he lifts you in his arms, drawing a loud gasp from you as he chuckles.

“Shower time.”

You smile and nod, winking as you speak back. “Round two?”

#choi yeonjun #txt yeonjun #yeonjun txt #yeonjun smut #yeonjun fic #yeonjun fluff #yeonjun crack #yeonjun angst #txt fluff #txt smut #txt crack #txt angst #yeonjun #txt fic

[kennedv]

❆・:*｡ ( leah lewis. twenty-six. cis woman. ) | look who entered the cabin ! it’s KENNEDY JIANG. SHE is known for being the THE VOICE OF REASON of the group & that’s because they can be PRACTICAL but also STUBBORN. we bet they’re excited to be coming back to the cabin. they believe MEET ME IN THE WOODS by LORD HURON is the best way to describe them. wonder what trouble they’ll be getting into this season. ©

the “normal” one in the winterhouse and more often than not the voice of reason ; still works her 9-5 job as an entry level architect ; loves nature and sketching ; laidback but also usually the one with A Plan ; can come across a little intimidating but is quite friendly when the ice is broken.

— chinese-american, born in grand rapids, the family moved to TBA SMALL TOWN when she was young. — attended boston university for undergrad, graduated with a bachelors degree in city affairs in spring 2014 — worked for two years for a nonprofit in the city of boston and then decided that policy was not it for long term job prospects or career. — headed back to the state of michigan, attending um-ann arbor to get her masters in architecture. graduated three years later in spring 2019, right after the winter that would unknowingly change the friend group’s life. — luckily she landed a job with an architecture firm back in denver before that

— the whole reality tv show thing hasn’t really influenced kennedy’s life outside filming, or at least that’s what she tries to think and manifest. she still works for the architecture firm that hired her after she graduated. thank goodness she had time to establish herself there before the reality show filmed and exploded... she does good work which was good for them not firing her immediately. architecture and urban planning is what she’s passionate about, and she wasn’t about to give that up so easily. if previous reunion trips pre-reality show have gone longer than a week then kennedy was only there for a few days to week at most. there’s only so long she can drop everything for. — didn’t lean too much into the influencer pressure that happened after the show aired, but it is something she’s thawed out to over the past year. she’s started a youtube channel where she posts very, very classic vlog-style days in my life videos and productivity-type things. it turned out to be a pretty fun creative outlet and she’s grown to love it a lot especially in recent months leading up to season 2 of winterhouse. she very much feels the need to put a good image out there and to be a good figurehead for young girls to look up to.

— really doesn’t care... that much about the reality show. she’s more in for it for the cool free perks like the lodge and ski tickets and not needing to pay to skate. with that in mind, it’s more palatable to have a camera shoved in her face much more than she would like. that’s what she’s here for. more of a drama watcher than an instigator, always two seconds away from grabbing the popcorn and watching what goes down. blame a history of being a wallflower and people constantly talking around her like she wasn’t there.

— though she’s good at saving face and being polite to everyone, even those she doesn’t like, kennedy absolutely would not consider herself a good actor. that makes it interesting when the producers have an idea for a certain... exaggerated or fabricated plotline in the house. she avoided it for the most part in the first season, but this season she isn’t so sure.

— hobbies : sketching, bullet journaling, walking in the woods or walking around anywhere, skating, editing videos, making hot chocolate, tailoring her own clothes to fit, thrift shopping, trying new foods, napping

— her whole personality in the reality show is the voice of reason and the “normal” one, after all she does still keep a “9-5.” she definitely plays it up a little when the cameras are rolling but it’s not really fake either, just an elevated form of her usual self.

— she’s always been a rather put-together person, putting forward that image even if her internal habits were to procrastinate like crazy. she’s definitely grown and trained herself out of the worst of that aspect of herself though. it helps that she really loves the things she does these days.

— overall a friendly person, and doesn’t mind making new friends. that being said, she can be extremely quick to judge, something that’s been more and more relevant as she and her friends have risen to fame and she can see how it changes some of them. she isn’t unaffected herself, but she likes to think she’s still “normal.” call it a little bit of arrogance if you want.

— tries to be chill but is also kinda type a, it’s an interesting combination.

— a realist at heart and tries to be practical all of the time. there’s a stereotype about architects being rather fantastical and unrealistic. she gets that : it’s good to be creative and dream big, but then consider what can realistically be done right now.

— heavily introverted at heart but that doesn’t mean she can’t carry a conversation or isn’t social. she just doesn’t want to sometimes.

— thinks there isn’t anything much better than a nice, chill night in.

— really does not like superficial people lol

— style : minimalist, classy, comfortable. lots of blacks, tan, white, earth tone greens and blues. stylish but in a non-trendy way with a hint of badassery in jackets. likes to look effortlessly good, comfort is never compromised for the sake of the fit. petite so wears a lot of high waisted loose-fitting pants with crop tops and sneakers ( that’s her go-to fit honestly ). taste in jackets varies drastically : loves a nice oversized denim, won’t say no to a good classic leather jacket. wears a lot of sneakers, doc martens are extensively used in the winter time tho. practical footwear in general ( more of her own doing, can only really walk in chunky . block heels at max ) — appearance : 5′3″, long black hair either braided, half up, or left loose, simple make up with a dramatic lip, put together. doesn’t wear foundation, half-hardheartedly contours sometimes. needs a make up routine that takes less than 5 minutes. — misc: some small intricate linework tattoos on her arms, all nature related. random scares all over from nothing dramatic ( just scars hella easily ) ; triple lobe piercings on both ears, helix on her left ear

— demeanor : sometimes has the tendency to come across a little distant and cold, maybe even intimidating, especially when she has her neutral face on, is deeply focused on something, or when she’s walking around. kinda big “don’t talk to me” vibes, though they are somewhat unintentional and once the ice is broken she is quite friendly.

— quirks : never sits normally, always lounging, has a leg pulled up or sits cross-legged in chairs ; hands always doing something ; chews her bottom lip

— not exactly a neat freak, but she is rather neat. that put-together appearance extends to her room and areas of the house.

— probably always the one who ends up taking care of the dishes that pile up in the sink

— plant mom : if she didn’t bring some with her, she likely ends up buying some from the hardware store nearby. the more dead looking that better : she likes a challenge.

— keeps a bullet journal that is honestly like #goals. very very aesthetic. she finds it very soothing to work in. it also doubles as a sketchbook in a pinch. she doesn’t keep herself wed to a single use for her journal.

— definitely brought her own skates w her bc rental skates are not it.

— just... okay at cooking. is more than capable of it but also isn’t one to whip out some fancy meal. simple and quick are her go-tos, stir fry of any kind meets that criteria about 80% of the time. practicality is basically her middle name.

— eats a fair number of meals with chop sticks, especially noodle dishes. genuinely isn’t to be quirky but because it’s easier and also makes her eat slower lol.

— pad thai is her go-to take out meal

— orally fluent in mandarin and shanghainese. reading and writing skills are.... elementary ( and have gotten worse the farther she gets from her childhood ✌️ 😔 )

— loves a good work out, isn’t intimidated in the gym. vacation / the reality show isn’t going to interrupt her workout routines kennedy isn’t as ripped as leah, but she’s definitely fit & has a set of abs.

hi everyone !! i’m ollie ( 24, est, they/them ). i’m super excited to get things going with kennedy !!

i have some plot ideas posted over here but you can definitely assume they are all wide open !! i don’t imagine that kennedy was super popular back in high school tbh, definitely more of a wallflower type back then. things have changed a bit since then with her after college and working and everything. so i think it would be interesting to see how those dynamics have changed over the years !! this includes any number of platonic, romantic, and antagonistic connections !! pop into my dms on discord with any number of ideas <3

#whintro

[myjunkisyuzuruhanyu]

Can I vent you a bit?

Now that Yuzuru retired all I can read everywhere that now FS is not the same without him, it’s dead, they won’t attend competitions, won’t watch it on TV anymore and I just feel it’s so unfair and unrespectful towards the still competing skaters. All of them work hard every day to show their best, everyone has something to show. Yes Hanyu was one of a kind, a very talented, charismatic athlete. I have to admit the reason I never had a bond towards him is mostly his fans cos they are just so LOUD, toxic&overwhelming. They created an idol/god for themselves and have the misconception that they need to protect&save him from..exactly what? He is a grown up man and can handle life I’m sure. Maybe their intentions were good but they just made everything worse so far. So long blahblah short I’m sick of this drama and can we just pleeeeeease focus on the upcoming season and cheer for the athletes of this beautiful sport? Because it’s still beautiful.

This is going to be long...and salty probably....maybe I should not answer this in a heated moment but I did anyway...

One thing is true that this season won't be the same without Yuzu. I mean Yuzu has competed for 11 years in seniors. He is 27 years old and has been in this circus for all of his life. During the years he competed he definitely had a huge impact on the sport, he technically drove the sport to others spheres, but he also always had strong rivals to fight along. His results are one of a kind and maybe he is the best male skater there ever was - I would say so. Yuzu was a skater that has drawn ppl towards the sport, so his influence is not to be underestimated. So I agree with Fanyus who say that this sport won't be the same without him because it won't be. The question is if for good or bad. I don't think you can yet say that and I am not sure you will ever be able to say so, because each aera is different. There will be ppl who don't like it and there will be new ppl who will. (look I for one could never get into the skaters or skating of the 80s or 90s though in my country it was the time the sport was widely known and most popular. In Germany if you ask about figure skaters, the skater normal ppl could name is still Katarina Witt. No one here who has no interest in the sport knows any other figure skater not even Yuzu, maybe if you follow the Olympics. Katarina Witt however is still a name present for most ppl.)

I think it's exaggerated that no one will watch the sport now. I mean I am not "no one" 😅Yuzu has a big fan base, but Yuzu is not the sport itself. Figure skating was there before Yuzu and will be there after Yuzu, that's life of a sport. In what amount it will be present we can only speculate. There have always been plenty of competitions Yuzu did never enter like Europeans for example or well Yuzu didn't compete in ladies, ice dance or pairs ever 😅There were seasons Yuzu wasn't able to compete much and still ppl watched the sport. Arenas are still full despite high prices and Yuzu not attending. Yes I don't deny that competitions with Yuzu had a higher level of attendance and tickets were sold better. The Fanyus who are only interested in Yuzu only were never a fan of the sport, but foremost of Yuzu, which is fine to each their own, but ofc those kind of ppl won't stay watching but I doubt they ever watched when Yuzu didn't compete. But a lot of Fanyus do like other skaters too and will still watch and support as many already said on their respective fan accounts. What I think is really unnecessary is that some Fanyus try to police other fans in not watching the sport anymore too. I mean what is that for? To show that you are right and the sport is really dead without Yuzu? Is this really about Yuzu then or only about yourself being right?

I think most embarrassing are the ppl who say they wouldn't want to give ISU clicks and views because of how corrupt they are but are extremely entertained by the fact that the FIFA World Cup happens during the GP series and they will rather watch this than give ISU their views...wait a moment is FIFA not a big fat company that supports human rights being treated like trash for the World Cup to build the arena, where the host was bought for a fact? Hm sure give the FIFA your money and views...how much exactly do you care for corruption then? ISU is by no means a saint but of all sport organizations you chose to throw your support behind FIFA...don't you think that's hypocritical? (yes there were tweets like this with huge amount of likes)

I don't deny that figure skating views and ratings may take a hit without Yuzu because of his amount of fans, but also one other big problem is not to be underestimated. The Russians won't compete either internationally. In Russia figure skating is just as popular as in Japan, so without their skaters and fans, ratings and views especially for ladies will drop without them. These are two effects happening at the same time. How much is Yuzu's fans missing or Russian fans missing I am not sure you can differ that. Both will have an impact, but will arenas be empty now? I don't think so.

And there is one other thing. Always after the Olympics things change. Skaters retire, fans go and new fans come. The Olympic season usually has higher ratings and more exposure in the media than the season after the Olympics. Also new skaters turn senior, new stars evolve, this needs time. So can we really compare this season with the last season?

I think all this obsession with ratings, views and numbers pretty exhausting. Yes Yuzu's videos have higher views and ratings, but are other skaters efforts less worth because they don't have the same amount of views? Are their medals less worth? I thought this is a sport not a popularity contest...Popularity contenst Yuzu is definetly the winner no one denies that.

I said it before I think it's sad that Yuzu is celebrated as a "thomb stone" for the sport, because Yuzu loves this sport so much, just see how seriously he still takes his training in the livestream and how it didn't collide with any competition or ice show of others. I think it's disrespectful towards other skaters and even Yuzu himself to want the sport to die. (some only mean the ISU but you cannot unravel the complete ISU and not destroy the life of other skaters along, when there is no sport corporation the sport is indeed dead at least internationally - ISU does need reforms I am all in for it, but don't take it out on the skaters by retreating any kind of support for something they have no influence in.)

Yuzu is for sure not the one who wants the sport to be dead.

Everyone should do what is best for them. No one is forced to remain in the sport, to watch it, whatever their reasons for leaving the sport are, it's fine. Watching this sport should be fun and if you don't enjoy it anymore, then go! Others will come, things will be different, maybe the fanbase will be smaller, maybe views will take a hit, but the sport won't disappear I promise.

I will still watch this sport and still be here. 😊 And I am all in for cheering and supporting the still competing skaters! Screw the drama and look ahead!

___

It's sad, but you're sadly not the only one who couldn't get into Yuzu because of some fans.

I have often enough tried emphasize that not every Yuzu fan is toxic and mean. Most of them are quite normal and kind and got forbid they even like other skaters and don't wish ill on anyone else. Some very vocal loud fans thrive in being toxic and I really see when you only encounter fans like that you're kinda taken aback by it. I get it, but it's sad because Yuzu is such an amazing athlete and he deserves the best in the world.

Once again how Fanyus behave is not Yuzu's fault. If you have many fans, you also have many bad apples in it. Simple as that. And sad as it is, the loudest ppl always get the most attention - negative and positive. This isn't different irl than online.

#yuzu #fs fandom #replies #I am never sure if i should share those thoughts but i am honest here #If for worse or better i have to see #Kind of a rant i suppose

[anewbeginningagain]

Some long-time established coaches and skating circles are saying that MIDAS and WISA will come on top and excel over IAM-O, TCC & IAM this new season. Because they’re aiming and emphasizing that they won't be tolerating cattiness, unhealthy cliques and bullying at their schools. Something that's been unfortunately rearing it’s ugly head with some of the ,“elite skaters, students, including some coaches at IAM & TCC campuses.

No offense but I'm honestly at a loss of words from how little this take makes sense.

First, MIDA exists for less than a season and had about one team competing last season. They just now started accepting more teams and for now as far as I know they are all US teams. I would say it's too early to applaud them for not "tolerating cattiness, unhealthy cliques and bullying at their schools" when they legit have had more than one team for about 3 months at best.

Second, WISA currently has a single team that will be broadly competing - McNamara/Spiridonov. If rumors are true, they are also legit the school that lost their top team (Green/Parsons) because they accepted Davis/Smolkin. If that's not an example to "cattiness and unhealthy cliques" I don't know what is...

I.AM Montreal have been coaching multiple teams for two quads now and while I'm sure there've been intrigues and drama to some extent since they are often coaching teams aiming at the same medal, they've been very forward about the way they are handling it - aim for full transparency, give every team the same coaching time and the same ice time and the same attention to material and packaging. And for the most part, it seems to work since they have yet to see teams leave them because they are unhappy (only S/F come to mind). They've also talked quite a lot about how much they pay attention to mental health as much as physical health, they take concussions seriously and if we go by what their female athlete say, they have a healthy approach to their female athletes.

From all they said, I.AM Ontario have the same holistic approach to coaching and have also been vocal about preparing its skaters for life after skating.

So WISA won't "come out on top" because they have one team competing and it's a mid-level team, and MIDA might "come out on top" with Green/Parsons, and regardless I wish them the best and believe that having them as another school is good for the sport and good for the athletes, but it won't be because of them not tolerating cattiness or whatever.

But yeah I'm not surprised to get another attempt to make up some stuff on I.AM while also adding TCC (???) in to make it less obvious. If you would have sent it in with even a shred of evidence I will be the first to support it and condemn I.AM so feel free to write back with examples of the cattiness and unhealthy cliques and bullying these schools have. I'm sure there are to some extent, it happens in every school, but if some long-time established coaches and skaters are saying it, I'm sure there are many examples to back it up.

[sunskate]

Man, Reflections, that is a blast from the past. I think what Dean was trying to do — because he had a brother sister team — was to move away from the romantic themes that dominated a lot of ice dance (and still do for many teams). It didn’t really work back then, and for better or worse, the success of VM probably hasn’t helped move away from romantic themes since they leaned into that chemistry big time.

Old school ice dance was a really persnickety sport that was hard for audiences to understand on a technical level (and maybe it still is?) T/D were good at creating a look and choreographic moments within the limits of the sport — I always liked their repeated movements and the little turns and lifts they did below shoulder level to comply with the rules.

My favorite period for old school ice dance is probably 1988-1994 where the programs got super esoteric. It’s actually closer to the conceptual stuff that Chock/Bates have been doing lately and it leaned into the drama. Kimova/Ponomarenko and Usova/Zhulin in that period were amazing. If any of your other anons can give me a reason besides politics for Bestemianova/Bukin being ahead of them, please send it in!

audiences and judges weren't ready to embrace a team dressed as two men skating together in 1991 sounds like. somewhat related, i'm conflicted about Usova/Zhulin - they're charismatic and very beautiful to watch, but he's a hateful person who says callous and vile things - i can appreciate their skating, but what do you do with the good work of an artist who is awful as a person?

did VM cause love stories to be skated more in ice dance? their appeal seems very organic and so specific to them. these days, seeing a F/M team as inherently romantic seems more a cultural preconception than something most teams are selling

nobody's shipbaiting these days? maybe it's also that very few have truly sparky chemistry in the VM sense. Marie-France and Patrice used to have that on ice too. i like seeing intimacy and trust and unison on the ice, but any two people can have that

that's interesting about older school ice dance being persnickety- there is kind of a fussy quality to it compared to now that the best teams sometimes transcended. maybe idgi because i don't understand the rules or the vocabulary of the dances of the time, but those repetitive little turns T/D do again and again feel like he's turning her over and around like a rotisserie 😅 though it's always done with great precision

i'll look for that in the 1988-94 dances - if you have any programs to recommend, i'd love to hear about them 💙

[khodorkovskaya]

10.08.23

update on the lucien+his wife/divorce/financial domination drama.

so yesterday the ice skating rink opened. and lucien suggested we go skating but i have exams in september, so im at the library 24/7 until then so i was like sorry not today. and he sent me a message saying "coffee? ☕" and i was like fuck yeah let's get coffee. idk it made me so happy bc i was having the worst time at the library and i was planning on getting coffee anyway so i was like finally a good excuse to take a break from functional analysis.

so yeah in like 5 mins lucien was at the library and we got coffee at the bakery nearby. we talked about our trip to the mountains and how cool it was (btw if you haven't seen i made a music video to sanjam on my youtube channel, with footage from the trip lol so go check it out). and he was like "yeahhh it was important for me for you to meet my parents" and i was like huh, cos i thought it was a bit of an accident. but turns out it meant a lot to him.

anyway, we chatted for a bit about different things. and he said that he thinks that his wife checked herself into a psych ward......

so apparently if you're diagnosed with any sort of like mental health issue (his wife is diagnosed borderline for example), you can like go to the hospital and stay there for a week like a sanatorium sort of thing. and she's done that before. and he hasn't seen her since before our trip to the mountains. and he said that when he came back it got even worse for her, like she "threw a tantrum", whatever that means.

but hey, if she's at the hospital surrounded by professionals, that's good bc she can't hurt herself. and i hope she's gonna get the help she needs there.

and okay, i don't want to dismiss her feelings, but it's so silly how she's going through so much because of lucien. lucien! she guy who puts sunscreen in his hair! and wipes his hands on the disgusting tracksuit he wears every day! like girlie it's not worth it.

i mean, i love spending time with him and i really appreciate our friendship. but he's not someone you should want to kill yourself over, you know?

and she is so gorgeous!

she has beautiful blonde hair down to her butt and she has this amazing hourglass figure. like she looks like a fucking model. and she's really good at rollerblading and she's like a professional-level pole dancer. and she's really smart too. like she's really good with computers apparently. and she runs this like jewellery dropshipping business. like she has so much going for her.

and she's in all this pain bc of literally some guy (although he's not just "some guy", he's literally insane. but you get my point)

so yeah, things are weird.

#august

[fruitcoops]

I absolutely love your fics!!! Thank you for sharing your talent with the world. If you're interested, do you think you could write a fic where Finn gets injured in a game against Tampa? O'Hara brothers ftw ♥️♥️♥️

Ohohohoho yes. It's 'missing your big brother so you write siblings' hours, and all of you are trapped in here with me. Combined with prompts for cubs hurt comfort/ poly love (@hi-im-phoenix) and distraction hurt/ comfort for AJ. Sorry about your manager <3 SW credit goes to @lumosinlove!

TW for bone inJuries

The crowd was roaring. Finn couldn’t catch his breath. His arm was on fire.

Something like a sob broke free in his chest, but he could do little more than hiccup in pain and fear from his place laying flat on his back atop the unforgiving ice. He couldn’t move his fingers. His elbow throbbed. Everything in between just hurt.

“—fuck is wrong with you?” an angry voice shouted, followed by a flash of blue and white shoving at the man whose late hit had left him suspended in shock. Finn didn’t know if it had been on purpose, but he didn’t really care anymore as a tear tracked down to his ear. He couldn’t pull his eyes away from the bright lights overhead.

A hand cradled one side of his jaw, warm and clammy on his cold skin. “Talk to me, mon amour, what’s wrong?”

“Lo,” he croaked, swallowing hard. “I’m okay. ‘m okay, promise. I’m okay.”

“Out of my way!” The blue and white blob pushed closer before kneeling next to him. A helmet hit the ice, followed by a glove; heavy hands settled on his shoulders, and the one on his face disappeared. “Finn? Finn, look at me.”

Finn’s chest hitched once, twice, hard. His head was pounding, and everything hurt. He may have been able to reassure Logan, but he had never been able to hide from his brother. “Alex.”

“Hey, buddy,” he soothed as Finn finally regained enough breath to gasp around his tears. “No, no, shhh. You’re gonna be just fine, yeah? Can you tell me what happened?”

“Hurts,” he choked out, squeezing his eyes shut. The pain had reached his shoulder and every movement was agony. “It hurts, it hurts—Alex, it hurts.”

“What hurts?”

He could hear people calling for medics. His friends, his family. But Alex stayed right there next to him, holding his good hand and brushing his tears away. “My arm,” Finn said, feeling as pathetic as he ever had. “Alex, it hurts so bad.”

“Can you wiggle your fingers for me?” Finn sobbed again as he shook his head and saw the encouraging smile slide of Alex’s face. “That’s alright, buddy, just take some deep breaths.”

“I don’t wanna be out,” Finn blubbered. “I gotta play.”

Alex gave his hand a light squeeze. “It’s not that bad, Fish. Deep breaths.”

He managed a handful—and admittedly felt a little better—but the alarms in his head were still blaring when Remus arrived with the medic, all but carrying him across the ice to get to Finn. He had a smudge of a bruise beneath his eye, but the worry creasing his brow overtook anything else. “I’m good, Loops,” Finn panted as the medic sat next to him. “Totally cool.”

“28, I’m going to need you to make some room,” the medic ordered. Fear spiked in Finn’s heart when he met Alex’s gaze, but he found only determination looking back.

“I’m not leaving,” Alex said simply.

The medic glanced down. “Can you stand?”

“I think so?” Finn said hesitantly, trying to get cool air back into his lungs. “It’s—I think I broke my arm. Everything else is okay.”

“What’s your pain level?”

“Eight. And a half,” he added. Alex frowned.

“Let’s get you off this ice, yeah?” The medic patted him gently on the shoulder. “O’Hara, can you get him up?”

“Keep that one close,” Alex murmured, sliding his arm under Finn’s shoulders. He clenched his teeth around a cry of pain as his bad arm was jostled, but Alex was strong and steady, and within a few seconds he was on his feet. “Easy does it, bud. I’ve got you.”

“Fucking shit,” Finn wheezed as he tried to close his hand. The fear and adrenaline had faded, but involuntary tears sprang to his eyes anyway. Alex held him upright without faltering despite his wobbly legs; they made it to the bench in a blur of movement that made Finn dizzy.

“We can take him from here,” the medic said to Alex.

“I’ll be fine,” Finn said, cutting him off just as he opened his mouth. “Go play. Your boys need you.”

Alex pressed his lips together in obvious frustration, but tapped their helmets together and skated back to his own bench. Finn let out a shaky breath and closed his eyes for a moment. “O’Hara?”

“I’m good,” he assured the medic.

“If you feel like you need to throw up, let me know.”

“No. No, I’m good. Just hurts.”

He caught a glimpse of the clock as they headed down the tunnel—ten minutes left in the period. Finn steeled himself for a long stretch of being alone in a medical room and tried to focus on something over than the unbearable heat and throbbing in his arm.

--------------

Leo traced the edge of the splint with a deep-set frown, but said nothing. His other thumb ran in gentle lines up and down Finn’s waist, kept there by Logan’s side pressing close. “You’re sure you’re alright?” Logan asked softly as he placed a kiss on the corner of Finn’s mouth.

“I promise.” They had barely traded ten words—both had shown up the second the game ended, stripping off their pads and skates in the entrance to the medical room before sandwiching Finn between them. Leo had been unusually quiet. They had won the game; from what Finn saw on the television in the corner of the room, Alex had reamed out the guy that hit Finn with a vengeance. Tampa had been disjointed, and the Lions swept in as a cohesive pack, out for blood.

“I was worried about you,” Leo said at last, resting his temple on Finn’s shoulder. He sighed, then shifted impossibly closer. “Couldn’t get through the crowd.”

“I thought Talker and Loops were gonna kill that guy after he hit you,” Logan said with a shake of his head. “Looks like Alex did it for him.”

“What, you didn’t get into your shining armor for me?” Finn teased, nuzzling his nose against Logan’s cheek to draw even a slight smile from him.

“Maybe next time.”

“No,” Leo mumbled, linking his fingers with Finn’s purple ones and lifting them to his lips for a brief kiss. It was a clean break, but would still take weeks to heal. Big blue eyes landed on him, melting his heart like they always did. “No ‘next times’, okay?”

“Aw, Knutty,” Finn said, barely above a whisper. He wrapped one arm around each of them and held them tight, soaking in the feeling of having both crushed against him. “I’m sorry I worried you.”

Logan tucked his face into Finn’s neck. “Nothing to be sorry for, mon rouge. We’re just glad you’re alright.”

“Sorry to interrupt,” a voice said from the door. Alex shifted his weight back and forth, twisting his baseball cap in his hands like he always did when he was nervous. Finn didn’t hesitate before extracting himself from the cuddle pile and crossing the room; Alex met him halfway and engulfed him in a hug. A shudder ran through him under Finn’s palms. “Jesus, Finn, you scared the hell out of me.”

“Sorry,” Finn mumbled into his hoodie, letting himself be cocooned by distilled safety. Even out of his skates, Alex had a good two inches on him, and he had always been the broader of the two—Finn suddenly felt about six years old, as if he had just skinned his knee on the sidewalk.

“What’s the diagnosis?”

“Closed break, clean fracture. I’ll be out for a month or two.” He stepped back and swiped a hand under his nose, then tilted his head toward Leo and Logan with a wry smile. “But I’ve got these two to look after me.”

Alex scanned his face for a moment; his mouth dipped on one side. “I called mom and dad, told ‘em you’re okay. You should tell them yourself, though. They were freaking out.”

“I will,” Finn promised.

The worry creasing his brow didn’t diminish as he wrapped Finn in his arms again, holding him tight. “Keep me updated, yeah? If I don’t hear from you, I’ll get the captain on your ass, and he won’t be as nice about it as I will.”

“Deal.”

“Knutty, Lo, drive safe. If he tries to pull some stupid shit, I’m counting on your survival skills to stop it.”

“Survival skills?” Leo half-laughed.

Alex pulled away and raised his eyebrows. “They don’t call me Hurricane O’Hara for nothing.”

His eyes flickered back to Finn, who was horrified to see slight redness around the rims despite the teasing in his voice. “Alex,” he said softly. “I’m okay, I swear.”

“I know.” His voice was gruff, but it poorly hid a sniffle as he bumped their foreheads together. “But I’m your brother. It’s my job to worry about you. I hate that one of my guys was at fault here.”

Finn tried for a smile, socking him on the arm. “Six weeks, and I’ll be good as new.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” With a final survey of his face and a kiss to the top of his head, Alex headed back out into the hall with his shoulders up near his ears. Finn sighed; he hated it when Alex was upset, and even more when there was nothing he could do to fix it except wait. He didn’t know what he’d do if one of his teammates broke his brother.

“Fish?” Leo was smiling when he turned around. “I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“What kind?”

“The kind where I pull out all the sob story pity points on Cap’s soft heart and get us babysitting privileges for his incredibly fluffy dog after three months of constant begging.”

Finn’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding.”

“Make sure you look extra sad when we leave,” Logan advised. “We can’t lose this opportunity because you were too perky about a broken arm.”

“Quick, someone make me cry.”

Leo’s grin turned to horror. “What?”

“No!” Logan said at the same time.

“You guys are killing me here,” Finn groaned. “Just, like, hit me in the arm or something.”

“No!” they shouted in unison.

“You said I need to look sad!”

“I meant pout and sigh!” Logan pulled him over by the hem of his shirt in clear distress. “You’ve already cried too much tonight. No more.”

“Alright,” Finn agreed, already wracking his brain for any smidgen of drama skills he might have acquired over the years. Younger siblings were always the best actors, of course—he had given some Oscar-worthy performances to his mom when Alex got on his nerves as a kid—but Sirius was tough to fool. Maybe if he stayed quiet and didn’t risk opening his mouth they would get away with it.

Leo let out a slow exhale against his chest and snuggled closer before standing. “Come on, darlin,” he said with a kiss to Finn’s forehead. “Let’s get you settled. We’ll take a shower, have some dinner, and then we can put a movie on.”

“Mighty Ducks?” Finn asked hopefully.

Logan rolled his eyes. “Of course.”

#finn ohara #logan tremblay #alex ohara #leo knut #oknutzy #cubs #hurt/comfort #sweater weather #vaincre #my fic #fanfic #brothers #broken bones

[maxiemumdamage]

Yuri On Ice reactions from my mom; this time episode five. Minami’s my absolute favorite character, so I’m really excited for this one!!

She couldn’t tell the intro song is in English and asked me what it was saying. This meant we went back to the start after five minutes so I could sing all of the words to History Maker over the actual song. Yes I know all the words, and now she’s singing it too. She thinks it sound like he’s saying “Joseph” instead of “yourself” and won’t budge on that. I don’t hear it at all.

Mom: (About Minami’s fanboying over Yuuri) “oh, he has a crush??” Me: “Kinda” Her: *disapproving stare*

She laughed at Yuuri’s rant at Viktor, and again at Minami’s staring.

She laughed about Viktor’s drama too. And at the cameras flashing when he hugs Yuuri.

“I like the way the texture of the ice looks”

The Katsudon bit still cracks her up every time. And I do mean EVERY single time.

“I have a recipe for chicken Katsu, we should try that”

(About the audience in Hasetsu being more fired up) “yeah, cause that was your hometown, babe!”

She thought the focus on his face during the spin was weird.

“Why is everyone sweating?” (Great question, my best guess is nerves)

She was confused about how Yuuri got such a high score with mistakes, so I talked about GOEs and how they get inflated at domestic levels, the super high base value of the program, etc.

About Minami: “oh he totally has a crush on Yuuri, what did you mean ‘kind of’??” “That’s a baby.” “See! Lohengrin! It’s a real thing!”

I asked her about it months ago cause it came up on Jeopardy and her parents liked opera when she was a kid.

She wanted to know what the food on the ad break slide was, and googled it during the break. She also said that the google search autofilled as “what are those three Japanese things on sticks” (It was dango!)

Her: “Is he gonna implode? So there’s more drama?” Me: “I’m not gonna spoil it.” Her:“So he is.”

She was shocked when Viktor stormed off. And disapproving. She really doesn’t seem to like him.

“I LOVE THE WAY THEY MAKE THE ICE LOOK! The reflection of the lights! The little shine to it! It looks beautiful!”

She cooed at Yuuri’s cheering for Minami, and laughed at Minami’s reaction. She doesn’t think he’s a very good skater though, and she isn’t exactly wrong.

She noticed that Viktor WANTED Yuuri to cheer up Minami, because he looked so satisfied afterwards.

She laughed at Minami’s air guitar. She said his skating reminded her of stuff she’s seen in actual skaters who do that kind of music.

“Oh my god, stop it” when Viktor did the lip balm thing

During Yuuri’s Free Skate:

“Don’t get distracted— Oh no, he’s distracted.”

“Haha, he’s hiding his face behind the dog!” (Viktor, after Yuuri changes the elements)

“Why did he look at the judges??”

*As I was explaining the changes to the program jumps* “So why is it a bad thing that he—Oh, fuck me” (When Yuuri Hits the Wall)

Afterwards: “So why isn’t he bleeding? …There it is.”

She laughed at Yuuri’s teary chase towards Viktor at the Kiss and Cry. Not at the actual fall though, and then again at Minami’s fanboying. But she thought the Grand Prix thing was sweet.

I just noticed the other Japanese skaters ask Yuuri for an autograph while Viktor is right there. A five time world champion standing two feet away, and they all completely ignore him!! Yuuri really is the skater they all look up to, huh? I’m so proud of him.

She was CACKLING at Yurio’s shenanigans with the phone and screaming at Mila

She also got excited about “Baba” cause she recognized it as part of Baba Yaga and realized what it meant.

*My theme this season is love* “that’s a stupid theme”

She was distressed about Yuuri’s family’s love not being acknowledged, and wants him to apologize to them.

She also momentarily wondered if Cialdini coached Phichit to fuck with Yuuri before remembering that they’re former rinkmates.

This then devolved into her saying “Chele-stee-no” to her cat in an Italian accent over and over again cause I accidentally pronounced it with a hard C instead.

So yeah, I had great time here!! I’m really glad she liked Minami, and that the celebrity crush thing didn’t weird her out too much.

#snarly reacts to yoi #yuri!!! on ice #yuri on ice #yuuri on ice #yoi #minami kenjirou #yuuri katsuki #yuri katsuki #celestino cialdini #original post

[theanimeview]

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT SKATE-LEADING☆STARS (Spoilers)

By: Peggy Sue Wood | @peggyseditorial​

I have said it before, and I will say it many more times--of that I am sure. I used to be a competitive figure skater. It was a long time ago, I had stop in high school due to several consecutive head injuries but I still love and follow the sport (I also still skate, just not competitively). 

When Yuri!!! on Ice was out, I loved it because it showed a lot of the cultural parts of skating. The travel, the personality types (in some cases, though not as much), the publicity, the news coverage, etc. We had cameos of famous skaters, we got to see competitions in a pretty realistic way, costuming, the dance and/or gymnastics that skaters must do on and off the ice, and so much more! (I could probably nerd about all the easter eggs and everything else all day long.) The skating in Yuri!!! on Ice is good too. The sounds are near perfect and the movements, though a bit stiff due to the use of CGI, are accurate. 

THAT ASIDE I think Skate-Leading☆Stars is better. In regards to the culture of skaters, SL☆S falls way short but that’s alright. After all, this is a sports anime set in a high school where sports is an all consuming entity and reality takes a back seat to guys with eccentric hair colors. The skating is what's important here and OH LET ME TELL YOU it is near perfect.

Let’s look at this: 

This is our MC, Kensei Maeshima, doing a triple axel (I think they called it a quadruple in the anime which would mean 4 spins but I counted 3 so I’m calling it a triple for now). It’s the only jump that takes off going forward in skating and is one of the most difficult jumps. All of the movement here is accurate--from the way he jumps up and straightens his legs as soon as possible with arms tucked in to help the spin, to the way he lands with a slight bend of the knee, curving around and throwing out the arms for balance (and flare). 

It’s gorgeous. And it continues. When we see Kensei practicing, we get these shots: 

A Sit Spin ^

Crossovers ^

And a Salchow ^ (I think it is Salchow, but if could be a Lutz--the uncertainty comes from me finding it difficult to decipher which edge he’s on before jumping).

ALL OF THESE are beautifully animated and correct--from the way he pulls his arms in quickly and straightens his legs before bending for the landing again to the way he moves after landing. 

Crossovers are especially good as they help build momentum quickly before jumps, allowing a skater to travel more during their jump. 

And when he falls, you see something else that they train you for in skating--how to fall. It’s literally the first thing I was taught when I began taking lessons. Let me explain--in the gif above where he falls coming out of the Salchow, we see this:

He landed on the correct foot, but was still coming out of the last half of his last turn. His other foot, which is meant to swing out, around, and behind him, before guiding the glide out of said jump, hits the ice at an angle as he lands thus causing most of the ice shaving we see happening to the top layer of ice as his other foot slides out from under him. 

Now, if your feet went out from under you--the first thing that you might do automatically is go to your knees or hands to protect your fall. In skating, it’s a bit different. If you fall, your aim is to quickly move to try and let your butt or thighs take the hit while trying to avoid joints (knees, elbows, and wrists) and head injuries. What does Kensei do? He quickly turns to land on his butt first:

His hand skims the ice, but he moves it up, and off the ice as he bounces:

He then turns during the bounce, aiming to land on his thighs (less painful in my experience, and less risk of a tailbone or head injury as you continue to bounce and slide on the ice). His arm extends outward to avoid hitting his elbow directly on the ice with the weight of his upper body against it, while moving the arm up, placing his bicep closer to the head (which will help prevent his head from smacking against the ice):

Finally, he stops sliding and has, officially, “landed” his fall:

Note how the head is tucked in, resting a bit on the bicep, his elbow is not being leaned against (or broken after this fall) since it is laying flat, and how he is on his side? Yeah. That’s a pretty great fall. 

You’d be a little scratched up after that if the ice was rough and since he wasn’t wearing a jacket/gloves--but you’d probably avoid bruising or any severe injuries. The reason for the fall was probably a combination of the scratched up ice (which he credits), being out of practice, and his need for more muscle training.  Still, AWESOME. He’s doing really well for being as out of practice as he is. 

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE STORY??

Okay--Now that I’ve nerded out about the skating I’ll talk about the larger story.

Kensei is hated by his current team. It reminds me a lot of the hate that was given towards Ren Mihashi in Big Windup! prior to transferring schools. 

Kensei is obviously very talented--I mean, not everyone can come back from being off the ice FOR YEARS and do jumps like that without seriously hurting themselves and falling all over the place. It’s not like riding a bike--it’s more like highly skilled dancing... on blades... on a very slippery surface where you are likely to seriously break something. His team hates him for some reason, and act like he’s not a team player or something but he doesn’t come off that way. Perhaps a bit overly confident for their liking, but he clearly has the skills to back it up and we have proof that he can play on a team since we’re shown him playing basketball in Episode 1 and told that he’s played on and been scouted by a number of other teams at the school.

If they dislike him because of him quitting for a while, I’d say they need to get over it because we learn in the first few minutes of the anime that before Kensei’s last competition he lost both his parents--who were professional ice-skaters--in a traumatic accident. 

In the flashback we see of him as a child, the reference point for why so many of his current teammates seem to hate him, we see that Kensei doesn’t seem to have any friends. In fact, our antagonist Reo Shinozaki is the one seen surrounded by people and other kids. While Reo doesn’t seem to regard any of his peers as being friends or equals, it’s pretty clear that he is at least liked more by the other kids than Kensei who is alone. 

As a teen, Kensei has made several friends outside of skating which we see in the current episodes but he still hasn’t made much headway with the other skaters--though at least one of the older kids, Yukimitsu Mochizuki, is nice to him. Some of the members are obviously mad at him for something and wish he wasn’t part of the team and maybe that’s because of his boisterous personality but more likely its due to something more petty, like jealousy or envy at Kensei’s skill or some sort of lack in communication. (Remember, they were all individual competitors going against each other at one point, and when your friends are also who you actively compete against it can get pretty ugly.) 

That’s not to say Kensei is without flaws. As mentioned, he is overly confident at points and makes careless statements about a few of the other members’ being of lower skill or caliber than him despite knowing that he is out of practice and that they take the sport very seriously. If I was to apply this to my own experience as a former skater, it may be like when I had a falling out with many of my skating friends after I had to stop competing and no longer attended lessons. Many of them, particularly at our young age and level, couldn’t imagine giving up skating for any reason aside from losing life or a limb. Concussions or the after effects didn’t feel real to them (nor to me), and yet the pain I felt doing simple spins or moving quickly left me in pain and feeling like I had just slammed my head against the ice. Some felt like I was quitting just as the real competitions were getting started (entering adult competitions). One friend later told me that she felt like I had quit while I was ahead, “robbing” her of the chance to beat me, as though I would have know that. A few others said that it felt like I didn’t care about them or the sport anymore when I stopped coming to group lessons. Meanwhile, I felt like I was being abandoned and lost now that I couldn’t do the one thing that had consumed much of my free time and focus in life at that age... But it’s okay now, because I found anime. (JK--it all worked out as we got older and talked things through.)

I’m sure that as the series progresses, these combative issues within the team will work themselves out and I’m looking forward to it!

Comparatively, it feels a LOT like the Free! series (you remember that swimming anime we were all obsessed with?), though the focus on ice skating that we see within the series thus far (such as news stories, the number of clubs and schools that have ice skating clubs, youtube-videos, and other media) imply that ice skating is as prevalent there as basketball or volleyball. Which, as much as I’d love that to be true, is simply not the case. It’s fictionalized, obviously, and the story is really laying on the drama pretty thick from inter-team disharmony to a larger rivalry with our antagonist that said antagonist doesn’t even seem to register, think about, or give two hoots towards.

As for the rest of the fictional universe of this world... Uh. It’s a high school sports anime so what do you expect?

Simply put, it’s a standard story for this genre. 

I have not yet read the manga--but I plan to immediately. 8/10 recommend streaming on Funimation.com, and 10/10 on animation (if only for the skating). The next episode comes out on the 10th, so now is a great time to catch up! 

#Big Windup! #Free! #free! iwatobi swim club #skate-leading☆stars #skateleading stars #skateleadingstars #ice skating #figure skating #yuri!!! on ice #yuri on ice #yuri on ice!!! #group skating #review #analysis #funimation #SL☆S

[here4theheartbreak]

Kim Taehyung Masterlist

Key - be aware that this key is only a vague indicator of content, read any warnings on fics you intend to read.

🍭 - Fluff only - G or T; may include some innuendo/suggestiveness but nothing graphic.

🔥 - Smut - Explicit fics; includes graphic adult content

💔 - Angst - Ratings vary, has some level of drama/sadness/upset

😂 - Crackfic - Ratings vary, primarily humorous

📚 - Series/Chapter - Denotes a chapter fic, does not speak to content

Namjoon x Taehyung (Taejoon/Vmon)

🔥 Collared - Taehyung has a secret kink that Namjoon can't wait to exploit. (PWP, collars, dirty talk, light D/s) 

Seokjin x Taehyung (Taejin)

🔥 💔 From Ordering Takeout to Making Out - Every week like clockwork, Taehyung orders the same meal from the same shop. The food is just really good – Or maybe it’s the unbearably handsome delivery boy that’s got a soft spot for his dog. (getting together, non-idol au, abusive relationships (not TaeJin), minor violence, domestic violence, bottom!Taehyung, top!Jin) 

🔥 Choke - Things get tense after an awkward night together. (PWP, mutual masturbation, deep throating, dirty talk)

🔥 Lazy Morning - Taehyung is self conscious about his stage performance. Jin helps take his mind off it. (PWP, dirty talk)

🔥💔 📚 Camshows & Camera Lenses - Jin knew it was a bad idea to get so involved with the camboy he knew as TaeTae95. But the young man was charming, beautiful, smart, and everything Jin could ever want in a man. Now only if those around him could see that too. (chapter fic, non idol au, parental abuse, camboys, smut, angst, breakups, fighting, happy ending)

🍭Ice Cold Warm Heart - Jin does not want to work with Taehyung. But maybe it’s not so bad. (figure skating au, fluff, e2l)

🔥 Night’s Delights - When Taehyung finally managed to summon an incubus, the last thing he expected was for him to be his half brother. (Dead Dove, Half Sibling Incest (Consensual), Double Penetration, Tail Sex, Excessive Come, Dirty Talk)

🔥 Early Morning Workout - Jin has some new ways to motivate Taehyung in their morning workouts. It goes better than he could have imagined. (PWP, Dead Dove, Deepthroating, Facefucking, Watersports, Wetting, Vomit, Emetophilia, Dirty Talk, Omorashi, Rough Sex, Choking, Gagging)

Taehyung x Yoongi (Taegi)

🔥 Schoolboy Crush - Taehyung has a fantasy, and his boyfriend in that damn uniform isn't helping any. (PWP, uniform kink, rough sex, dirty talk, bathroom sex) 

🍭 Cooking for Romance - Taehyung is trying to prove to Yoongi that he is a viable boyfriend. (fluff, getting together)

🍭 Whistling Woods - Yoongi hears a strange whistling in the woods outside his apartment. What he finds will change his life. (fluff, getting together, fairy AU)

🔥 Wings - Yoongi wasn’t supposed to fall. He also wasn’t supposed to fall in love. (smut, supernatural au, angel!Yoongi, demon!Taehyung)

🔥💔 Mountday Afternoon - Taehyung has a secret that’s kept him from dating for most of his life, but Yoongi’s presence makes him wonder if it might be time to share it. (Smut, Angst with a Happy Ending, Past Trauma, Body Shaming, Anxiety, Crying, Arguments, Micropenis)

🍭 Sharp Reproval - The nobles shouldn’t mingle with the commoners. Otherwise they might get some of their opinions. That’s exactly what Yoongi is hoping for. (Slice of Life, Historical (albeit inaccurate), Daechwita inspired (loosely), Enemies to Friends to Lovers)

Hoseok x Taehyung (Vhope)

🔥 Helpful – Taehyung just wants to be helpful. (PWP, cock warming, rough sx, dirty talk)

🍭 A Calculated Risk - When Hoseok sees the crying young man on the plane next to him, he wonders if the calculated certainty of his life is really worth the loneliness. (strangers to lovers, anxious Hoseok, fluff, slice of life)

🔥 High Tide of the Afternoon - Taehyung and Hoseok are spending the day at the lake when Taehyung’s shy bladder becomes a problem. (PWP, Watersports, Wetting, Desperation, Semi-Public Sex)

🍭 The Bugbear & the Barista - Taeyung is Hoseok’s loyal customer. But boy is he strange. (Slice of Life, Coffee Shop AU)

Jimin x Taehyung (Vmin)

🔥 💔 📚 Paint the Roses White - Jimin’s life sucks. He’s miserable, beat down, and tired. That is, until a mysterious boy with purple hair and a dangerous smile slides into his life and turns it upside down. The White Queen is ruling and drinks are on the house in the Hat Trick Lounge. Caterpillar is missing and the Prince of Hearts is ready for a war, if only he could figure out where his damn rabbit ran off to again… collaboration with @i-live-so-i-love (Alice in Wonderland AU, multichapter, angst, child abuse, war, politics, smut, drug use, alcohol, homophobia, shape shifters, happy ending)

🍭 Skating Into Love - Jimin isn’t exactly excited to go to the costume contest as the back end of a centaur. But it might be his lucky night. (domestic au, fluff, pre-slash)

🔥 Afternoon’s Sunshowers - Taehyung had been warned to stay away from humans, but this one was just so fascinating. (PWP, Strangers to Lovers, Fantasy Creatures AU, Dryad AU, Tentacles (Vine Tentacles), Outdoor Sex)

🍭 Inane & Anonymous - Jimin is the subject of anonymous online hate. Taehyung learns why it affects Jimin so deeply. (Slice of Life, Light Angst, Coming Out, Anonymous/Online Hate, Twitter Hate, Nonbinary Character, Gender Dysphoria)

Jungkook x Taehyung (Taekook)

🔥 Mile High & Mildly Bored - Jungkook is insufferable and horny when he’s bored. Especially on a thirteen hour flight. (PWP, semi-public sex, mile high club)

🔥Wedding Night - It’s their wedding night, and Taehyung will finally get to join the man he loves in bed. (pwp)

🔥Pent-Up - Jungkook is stressed; Taehyung is stress relief. (pwp, dirty talk, rough sex)

🔥Firelit First - They said a bunny and a dragon-dog would never work out. They were wrong in every way except for one. Jungkook’s need for physical intimacy - and Taehyung’s insecurity surrounding it - was driving a wedge between them. (hybrid AU, dragon-dog hybrid Taehyung, bunny hybrid Jungkook, Bad Dragon toys, dirty talk, rough sex, outdoor sex knots, mating)

🔥 Breadsticks & a Boyfriend - When Taehyung took a simple order of pizza, breadsticks, and a soda to a customer on a rainy day, he had no idea how good his tip would be. (PWP, strangers to lovers, rough sex, sex toys, face fucking)

Taehyung x Reader

🔥 Green with Envy (F Reader) - Taehyung is a little jealous of your friends. He decides everyone needs to know who you belong to. (pwp, jealous!Taehyung, hair pulling, thigh sex, clothed sex)

Maknae Line Members Only

🔥 Naked Yoga (Jimin x Jungkook x Taehyung) - Jungkook is just trying to do his yoga and relax a little. But it’s his birthday and Jimin and Taehyung have other ideas. (PWP, spitroasting, ass to mouth, dirty talk, rough sex, face fucking) 

Maknae + Hyung Members

💔 Missing (Hoseok x Kibum x Taehyung) - After a fight, Taehyung refuses to answer one of his boyfriend’s calls. But this one involves their other boyfriend, and might just change their whole world. (Domestic AU, alcohol)

Taehyung x Jimin x Hyung

🔥 Detention (Jimin x Namjoon x Taehyung) - Jimin and Taehyung are stuck in detention for a very particular reason. (pwp, teacher/student roleplay, dirty talk, namecalling, rough sex)

🔥 Properly Chastised (Hoseok x Jimin x Taehyung) - Taehyung realizes that he really likes to be spanked. No way can his boyfriends find out. They would most definitely use it against him. (pwp, dirty talk, spanking, light D/s, comeplay, rough sex)

Taehyung x Jungkook x Hyung

🍭 Snivel While You Work (Jungkook x Namjoon x Taehyung) -  Taehyung should know better to make bets he may not win. (slice of life)

Taehyung x Hyung x Hyung

🔥💔 📚Heart on Your Wrist (Namjoon x Seokjin x Taehyung) - Soulmates are such bs. That was what Taehyung always thought. He’d kissed hundreds of people, and never received his soulmate mark. So what if he doesn’t have a soulmate, he’s perfectly happy. At least - that’s what he thinks until Namjoon and Seokjin come into his life in a whirlwind of emotions he’d never felt before. So what if he doesn’t have a soulmate? What if he’s got two? (soulmate au, soulmate marks, one night stands, rough sex, dirty talk, homophobia, friends with benefits, mild violence, mild blood) 

🔥 Run to Me (Namjoon x Seokjin x Taehyung) - Taehyung has a crush on Namjoon. Not like he stands a chance with Jin there though. (angst with a happy ending, pining, jealousy, HYYH au, alcohol, implied/referenced child abuse)

🔥 Best Pawwsible Day (Hoseok x Seokjin x Taehyung) - Taehyung and Seojin decide to surprise their boyfriend after a long day at the studio. (PWP, D/s, puppy play, dirty talk, collars)

🔥 Sensitive (Hoseok x Seokjin x Taehyung) - Jin has a sensitive neck. His boyfriends can’t help but tease. (pwp, dirty talk, frottage, dry humping, grinding, hickeys, teasing, no penetrative sex, handjobs) 

4 Members

🔥 Three Times as Much (Jimin x Jungkook x Seokjin x Taehyung) - Jin needs a little punishment. His boyfriends are happy to oblige. (pwp, dirty talk, rough sex, ass to mouth, multiple orgasms, overstimulation, crying during sex, forced orgasms, light bondage, double penetration, triple penetration, aftercare)

😂 Either Or (Jimin x Jungkook x Taehyung x Yoongi) - “Are they fighting or fucking?” Namjoon asked. Tae and JK aren’t sure they want to know the answer. (fluff, humor, sex as a humorous tool, asexual Taehyung, nonbinary Jungkook)

🔥 Found Each Other (Hoseok x Namjoon x Taehyung x Yoongi)- Taehyung is feeling a little needy. His boyfriends know just what to do. (PWP, dirty talk, group sex, toys)

🔥 Mouthy (Jimin x Seokjin x Taehyung x Yoongi) - Jin’s been mouthy this week. His boyfriends wanna fix that. (pwp, rough sex, face fucking, face slapping, D/s)

🔥 💔 📚 Tasting Starlight (Jimin x Minho x Taehyung x Taemin) - Minho has been in love with his best friend since forever. But Taemin was determined to be unattached… Until suddenly he wasn’t. Taehyung spent his entire life pining after happiness with his best friend, only to have it ripped away when Jimin finds someone else. The rational response? Hatch a plan to make their respective crushes jealous. The part where they fell in love with each other, however, wasn’t part of the plan. (actor au, chapter fic, fake dating, smut, fluff)

🔥 Lazy Dog Mornings (Hoseok x Jimin x Jungkook x Taehyung) - Taehyung brings Jimin to spend a lazy Saturday with Hoseok and Jungkook for a puppy play date. (PWP, puppy play, dirty talk, rough sex, knotting cock rings, discussion of breeding, D/s relationship)

#kim taehyung #taehyung #taehyung fanfic #masterlist

[nowplayingblog]

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT:

Sweater Weather, by @lumosinlove

... and other related works.

SPOILER FREE

Short(er) Remus Rights. One of the big things I dislike about a lot of people within any fandom is how much they can sometimes gatekeep different interpretations of characters. Remus and Sirius get a lot of this - there are interpretations of their characters that the majority of the fandom has decided to agree on, and anything outside of that is somehow wrong. For me, Remus is the hardest, because my interpretation is at times the exact opposite of what the fandom seems to have agreed on. I won't go into too much detail here, but one of my points is that I imagine Remus as shorter and smaller than Sirius. A lot of people will come for your next if you don't think that Remus is like seven feet tall or something ridiculous. Overall, Hazel's Remus has always lined up a lot with my interpretation of him. It's just nice to see Remus written and described in a way that I also imagine him in my head. (I may make another post explaining myself more in depth on this one...)

Use of French, and Hockey Accuracy. When reading Sweater Weather, I would be constantly translating the French that is used by multiple characters in the story, and was pleasantly surprised to find that the use of the language seemed to be a lot more accurate and genuine than a simple google translate plug (which... No hate, I've been there.) It made me wonder if Hazel actually knows French? At least a little? Also the descriptions of Hockey both on and off the ice feel really real and accurate, especially after I finished the story and started to look more into Hockey (because I'm probably on my way to becoming a Hockey fan now) and was ecstatic to find a lot of the things being discussed in the story also being discussed in real hockey clips and videos. This is most likely due to Hazel being a Hockey fan and actually understanding the sport instead of just fudging it. (Which again, I would be guilty of.)

Healthy Polyamorous Relationship(s). I have very rarely read anything with a polyamorous relationship. Period. But when I do I have that awful monogomous-normative voice in the back of my head that tells me which two are "actually in love" and which one is "the third wheel" and I definitely don't have that awful voice regarding the real life polyamorous relationships I've seen. Hazel does a wonderful job at developing every interpersonal relationship with O'Knutzy as well as how they all work together. (And O'Darwin is new to me, but I already love it so, so much)

Varying Relationship Lengths. There are relationships of varying shapes and sizes. Some take years to say "I love you" while others are engaged less than two years after getting together. I think it's easy to forget nowadays that you don't need to be dating for years before getting married and starting a family - and it doesn't need to be in that order.

That Hurt/Comfort tho. Hurt/Comfort is may favorite genre perhaps ever. And in Hockey there is a lot of hurt, so it makes sense to be followed up by a lot of comfort. It's perfect. *chef's kiss*

Feeling Things With The Characters. In almost every scene I could feel how each character felt and kind of get a sense of what's going on in their heads. There were times in these works where I could really feel that longing or loneliness or pain or sadness. I don't get to feel that intensely that often when reading fanfiction, and these fics make me feel all the things.

These are just a few of the broader themes I enjoyed while reading Sweater Weather.

SPOILERS AHEAD

TOP FIVE FAVORITE SCENES:

The All Stars Game (AKA all of Chapter 15) I loved this chapter, because it captures the entire arc of the pain Remus and Sirius feel after being outed, the steps they take to actually talk about it and talk to eachother again and get through it together, to once again being on the same page, and rooting for and protecting eachother more fiercely than ever. I loved the team members coming over to be with Remus and watch the game, I loved Remus's past coming to light, I loved Sirius punching Greyback in the face, Regulus being rescued. I even loved hearing the terrible things the press had to say, because I love that kind of drama it gets me so worked up (... In works of fiction. In real life that stuff would make me very, very angry.)

Remus Talking to Logan (Chapter 13) I love this scene because it really shows basically every side of the O'Knutzy drama, and because I could really feel Logan's pain and panic in this scene. I loved how soft and kind Remus was in trying to talk to Logan about it, at the same time trying to keep him calm. I loved Finn walking in and seeing that Logan was hurting and immediately wanting to fix it, nearly ready to fight Remus, who was getting in his way. And I love the final part, where Remus suggests Logan tell 'them' he loves them, all the while promising himself he would tell Sirius the same thing. I think this scene is the perfect crossover point between Coast to Coast and Sweater Weather, and progresses both storylines flawlessly.

Family Skate (Chapter 12) I think it's hat I liked most about this scene was the Team learning not only that Remus used to play, but just how good he was, and still is. I loved how shocked they are, and the foreshadowing when Arthur asks Remus if he has any tapes. I really like the somber tone around Remus's injury, and how tragic it is, and the team can really understand that. It also sets the time for just how much this injury is affecting Remus even to this day. Aside from all that serious stuff, seeing the Team with little kids is also super cute. And James finding out about the necklace.

The Game Against Vegas (Chapter 16) I liked this scene a lot because you can really feel how much the team wants to avenge Remus. I liked the tense interactions between Remus and Greyback, especially the part where Remus said "you're not my teammate". One of my favorite moments is at the end of this chapter when Remus is spiraling in a gas station parking lot, and all of his old superstitions are coming back to him. The Angst Levels are astronomical.

Leo and Finn Like Eachother (Coast to Coast, Chapter 4) I honestly loved this scene so much, the emotional roller coaster Leo went through, the hesitance surrounding the whole "all three of us" question. The pain Leo feels when he thinks the kiss was only out of confusion, and that Finn only loved Logan. The relief he feels when Finn says he likes him. It's just a master piece. (Honorable mention for when all three of them get together in the next chapter: it was such a close tie.)

All in all, Sweater Weather is such a good read, and I love that I'm still immersed even after I've read the fic so many times. I'm going to keep following Vaincre, and I have a lot of ficlets planned out for this universe, coming soon.

Lots of love and praise to Hazel, who wrote not only such a good story, but wonderful characters (both Harry Potter, and original) as well.

#sweater weather: lumosinlove #sweather weather by lumosinlove #sweater weather #sirius black #remus lupin #leo knut #finn o'hara #logan tremblay #o'knutzy #coops #wolfstar #james potter #lily evans #harry potter #now playing: sweater weather

[bangtan-madi]

noel on ice — kim namjoon

Pairing — Namjoon x Reader, feat. minor mention of Jungkook x OC

Genre — fluff, holiday, minor angst, mental health

Tags — strangers to lovers, figure skater!Namjoon, barista!MC, non-idol au, figure skater au, café au, holiday au

Word Count — 16k

Summary —  After sustaining a crushing defeat at the World Figure Skating Championships, falling from his perfect gold standard to his long-time rival, Kim Namjoon returns to South Korea with an unsure heart and accompanying injury. At the same time, Y/N is as far from home as she has ever been due to a falling out with her family, working as a barista at a café in Seoul while trying to finish her degree. As if by fate, the two meet, and Namjoon makes it his goal to make Y/N see the magic of the holidays -- one Christmas adventure across Seoul at a time. 

Warnings — minor language, brief anxiety attack, mentions of ptsd related symptoms

A/N — This year has been a very difficult one for us all. For my fic in this Christmas collab, I wanted to acknowledge all of that and give a little mental health break for everyone. All of our experiences have been different, but one thing we all have in common is that 2020 was unexpected, painful, and heavy. Please, no matter what holiday you celebrate, let yourself have as much rest and healing as you need. If this little, probably-needs-more-editing-than-I-had-time-for fic can help you get there — even just for the twenty minutes it takes to read — then my job is done ❤️ I love you all, and I know I speak for the others when I say I hope 2021 treats us all so much kinder, and I hope we learn to love ourselves in spite of our worlds around us.

Playlist — Link here.

Christmas Collaboration — this fic is a part of the Christmas Collab by @kooala (link coming soon!)

"Hey—Hey, are you even listening to me?"

Raising your head slightly, your eyes widening as you realize you've zoned out again, focusing on the snowfall outside instead of the next customer in line. The woman waving her hand in front of you is as foreign to South Korea as you are, but her expression is entirely that of an angry American. Her scowl has etched deep lines into her skin, where smile lines should be.

Unfortunately, her face is all too familiar. Usually it pays to be one of the only native English-speakers at your café; however, when Americans come in, you're the one pushes to take their orders and serve them.

Even the most difficult ones.

"S—Sorry, Ma'am," you mutter. Shaking your head, you force a customer-service smile. "I was just admiring the snowfall. Isn't it beautiful?"

"Oh, yeah," she retorts sarcastically. "So beautiful that it's making travel home nearly impossible. Can you please just make my drink so I can leave?"

"I—I didn't hear it, Ma'am. Can you repeat it please?"

While the woman rolls her eyes, she repeats her order swiftly, muttering something along the lines of, "Baristas these days, I swear to god," under her breath. "Make sure to get it right this time. Every time I come in and order a blended cappuccino, you guys end up giving me a latte, which is not what I ordered."

"And every time, we have to explain that all a latte is, is a blended cappuccin—"

"—I don't want to hear it!"

With a sigh, you ring up the total for the "blended cappuccino, not latte" and let the woman pay. From the sidelines, your co-worker Lisa stands with a glare and a tin of heated milk ready to go for your order.

"Ms. Blended cappuccino again?" she asks as you turn towards her with a note written in perfect Hangul.

You nod, running  a hand over your hair in frustration. "I hate being the only native bi-lingual person here. Means I get to deal with her every damn time."

Sensing your downtrodden spirit, Lisa pushes you out of the way, giving you a gentle shove towards the back room. "I got this one. Go take a breather in the back, okay?"

"But—"

"—Ah! No buts. I know enough English to get by."

From the front desk, the woman pipes up again, demanding her drink be made faster. Lisa marches past your, arms herself with the imaginary drink, and says in perfect English, "You're in Seoul now. Speak Korean."

Knowing Lisa can handle the absolute hell-spawn that is an angry American Karen, you turn your back to the drama and shuffle to the break room behind the "employees only" door. An exasperated breath escapes as you revel in the silence, pushing away the muffled café sounds on the other side of the door. Being the only one in the break room, you spot your favorite white chocolate mocha on the side table, with a smiley face sticky note indicating it's from Lisa beside it.

You smile gently at the sweet gesture, and shove the sticky note into your pocket as a reminder to yourself to thank her later.

Taking the mug between your overworked hands, you settle down on the window seat and watch the December sky slowly shift from violet to navy. The mocha is just slightly sweet with a hint of peppermint, just like you like it. It's almost enough to illicit the Christmas spirit lying dormant inside you.

There's something incredibly painful about this particular holiday season, you think to yourself as the cars pass swiftly on the street outside. The glittering lights, the beautiful carols, the crystalline snow — none of it feels the same as last year.  The holidays are supposed to be a time of comfort and renewal, but this year — after moving halfway around the world by yourself — your heart is starting to wonder if that part of you has died.

Maybe it's the loneliness you're feeling, or maybe it's the fact that you're so far away from home. Or maybe it's the fresh-in-your-mind arguments and falling out with your family over the summer. That bitter taste lingers still in the back of your throat, not unlike a dark espresso.  A Christmas season without your parents and siblings; you never thought living your own life and following your happiness could hurt so much. For better or worse, that nostalgic feeling family and friends bring is long gone. And now you're nostalgic for nostalgia itself; what kind of messed up feeling is that?

You've had twenty-four wondrous, magical holiday seasons. Is it part of growing up that your allotment of joyful Christmas days is limited?

Is twenty-five the year that the magic just...stops?

When the night sky becomes unchanging, the door to the café kitchen opens. Lisa peeks her head inside, side-bangs falling in her face. "How's the mocha? Did I get it right?"

You take the last sip with a grateful smile, then place the mug onto the coffee table. "You nailed it. Thank you, I needed that."

Pride swells in Lisa's chest, and her shoulders straighten as she enters the room. "Well, good news. Karen's gone," she announces, "and your favorite customer is here!"

"Who?"

Lisa places her hand horizontally at her hip-level. "About this tall? Loves peppermint hot choco?

Bolting from your seat, all your concerns are momentarily gone. Your co-worker doesn't have to utter another word to get you to exit the back room and reenter the kitchen.

Across the counter, a mop of black hair is barely visible. Dark brown eyes peer over the granite surface; they twinkle and shine at the sight of you. Tiny hands splay on the surface in an attempt to make the small child taller. He's around seven to eight years, you estimate. Nine or ten at the very most. Definitely not out of primary school. And he's your very favorite customer, because unlike most, this child comes in with a toothy grin almost every single day with enough money for a peppermint hot chocolate. He's never late, and he's never unhappy. If the Sun were to bless the world with a ray of sunshine in human form, this kid would be it.

"Ahjumma!" the little boy shouts, a grin plastered on his face.

Instead of having him crane his neck, you walk around the counter, bend down on one knee, and ignore the other customers behind him. Pulling one of the tiny baked goods from your apron pocket, you offer the sweet to the child with a wink.

"You're here awfully late, Yeongu. You're usually here right after school lets out. It's already after dark."

Yeongu digs through his pocket and pulls out several crumpled won, enough for his beverage of choice. "Tomorrow is the last day before Christmas break, so dad picked me up and took me skating. I'm with mom and her boyfriend for the rest of the month 'cause Dad's going to Busan with his new wife. I don't like her that much. She frowns too much. And she smells like soju and taffy."

You exchange the won for the baked treat, laughing softly as you invite the boy onto the corner table nearest the hot chocolate machines. "You don't like taffy, do you?"

He makes a face and takes a big bite of the delicacy. "My teacher tells us that if we eat taffy, it will help us remember things. I ate too much of it last year, and now I hate it. Dad's new wife must always be forgetting things, because she always smells like it!"

After finishing the simple drink, you slide the mug across the table and plop down in the seat across from the small boy. "So does this mean I won't get to see you until after Christmas?"

Yeongu shakes his head. "I'll be by tomorrow after. Mom wanted to visit my cousin before we left. He's back in town for Christmas, and we haven't seen him in a long time."

"Oh? What does he do?"

"Sports."

At that, the boy changes the conversation. "What are you doing for Christmas, Ahjumma?"

"Yeah, Ahjumma," Lisa pipes up after serving the final to-go customer for the night. She flips the sign on the front door and turns back to the two of you, hand on her hip. "What are you doing for your first Christmas in Korea?"

Shrugging slightly, you turn your attention back to the small child across from you. "I'll probably spend the day with Mochi — my cat — probably studying so I'll be ahead in the new year for my next classes." Lisa gives an empathetic look at the mention of your kitten, which causes you to roll your eyes playfully. "Don't give me that look! I'll be fine. Probably best for me to have a relaxed, non-hectic couple of days. This year has been a rough one."

"That sounds sad," Yeongu states bluntly, earning a snicker from Lisa.

"Kid's right. Absolutely dreadful, [Y/n]. What a lame Christmas."

"What about you, then? Do you have any plans for Christmas?"

At the question, Lisa's smirk drops and she perks up. "Well, I'm sure you know, but Christmas in Korea is pretty different from America," Lisa reminds you, and you nod your acknowledgement. "It's more of a couple holiday, so my boyfriend Jungkook and I are planning to take the week off and do a ton of holiday activities together. Mostly outdoors stuff. Y'know, snowboarding, skiing, snowball fights — the usual."

"Sounds like a blast," you laugh.

"Oh, it will be." She gives a wink, then nods to Yeongu. "Are we about done here? I need to head out if you're okay with locking up for the night."

You give a wave of approval as the child nears the end of his glass. "I got this. Say hello to Jungkookie for me."

Lisa flashes a set of extravagant finger hearts before disappearing into the back, where she gathers her personal items and exits out the rear entrance. In her absence, Yeongu tugs on your sleeve and holds up an empty mug.

"Thank you for the hot choco, Ahjumma," he grins, showing the dark stain on his upper lip.

Taking the mug, you use the edge of your apron to clean the mess from his face. "If you come by tomorrow before you leave with your Eomma, I'll make you another with extra peppermint, okay?"

The boy's smile grows, and he hops up from the table with a swift bow. "I'll be here!" He heads for the door with a skip in his step.

"Will you get home all right?" you call after him.

Yeongu turns and grins. "I will, don't worry, Ahjumma!"

And then he's gone, out the door in a rush of energy and giggles towards his home nearby. You merely shake your head; there's no point in going after him now.

Soon after, you're following in his step. It doesn't take you long to clean up. By the time you lock up and exit out the back, snow has begun to fall. You brave the cold, tugging your coat tighter around you, burying your face into your scarf. The journey to the subway is short, and your feet take you quickly. Even still, you stare upward at the snowy clouds in hope that they might spark a semblance of Christmas joy in your heart.

Tonight, like every other night, nothing changes.

You heave a sigh, and the breath billows out as a visible fog as you enter the station. Going through the motions to get to your apartment is easy. A swipe of a card, a short ride to the edge of the neighborhood, and a trek up the set of stairs. Once through the door, you're greeted by a mewing shadow of a cat.

"Hi, my baby girl," you greet with a soft smile, bending down to scratch the tiny fur ball behind the ears. The black cat rubs her chin against your palm and follows you when you waltz to the kitchen. "You hungry?"

As if responding, "Yes!" Mochi speeds up and meows a bit louder than last time.

Her antics bring a smile to your face as you turn on the television for background noise. You find the nearest Korean news station, finding the program in the middle of a report on Korea's favorite rap duo and their upcoming tour: Suga and J-Hope. Your intention with the selection is two-fold — first, to continue to enhance your skills of the Korean language, and two, to continue learning about the culture and world of your new home. While you had extensive knowledge of both before moving to Seoul — despite the process being rather quick due to the fallout with your family — nothing compares to being immersed in the country itself.

As the musical entertainment section ends, you begin pulling ingredients out of the fridge and cupboard. "What do you think sounds good, Mochi? How about teokbokki?" The black cat perches her paws on your right leg, purring pleasantly. "I agree, sounds great after a long day."

You toss a bag of rice cakes onto the counter as the news changes to sports. Even as you prepare the sauce for the meal, you actively listen to the voices in the background.

"Unfortunately, RM Nam's ice skating season has been cut short due to an unforeseen injury he sustained during practice this summer. At the time, the damage to his shoulder seemed unnoticed by the athlete and his coach. However, as we saw earlier this October at the Grant Prix Series: Skate America, Mr. Nam's mishap on the ice turned out to be far more damaging than originally thought. Thus, the position representing South Korea at the next in the series, Skate Canada, was shifted to his rival, Kim Seokjin, and RM Nam returned home to Seoul to recover."

You can't but help a glance up at the screen. The skater in question has his back turned to the cameras as he heads into the airport. Behind his sunglasses, mask, and beanie, he offers a polite smile and wave to the reporters. Moments later, his coach guides him into the building, out of sight.

"That doesn't sound fun," you mutter to yourself as the report moves onto politics.

After you finish cooking, you plate yourself a portion and move into the living room. Besides the tiny tan sofa and the television propped up on a box, most of the room is bare. There are a handful of boxes strewn across the apartment of the few things you either had shipped from the States or that you bought in your six months since then, but for the most part, you've been putting off all of it. Most of your time is spent at work or at school; you haven't had the time, energy, or motivation to do any of it. Even at Christmas, despite Lisa gifting you with your very own tiny tree and twinkle lights to spread across the home, you've yet to unpack any of it. The tree remains in the slender box beside the TV, and you doubt it will go up this year at all.

Heaving a sigh at the thought, you turn the channel to VIKI put on your favorite drama. This particular one is a reincarnation plot with two male leads played by Korea's golden boys: Park Jimin and Kim Taehyung. Paired with the bowl of teokkboki in your lap and the kitten curled to your side, it's enough to drag you thoughts out of homesickness and back to the present.

This might just have to be the Christmas you forget and hope that the next year is a kinder one.

A lot changed in your life this year. In some ways, the changes were good. In others, not so much. Most of the turbulent times were in the heat of the summer, but things began slowing down once you moved to South Korea in September. You were now away from toxic family members, away from a life you never wanted, and looking ahead to an uncertain but certainly hopeful future.

In late October, the seasons began changing for the better — and not just in the physical sense of the falling leaves and cooler breeze. Lisa was right about your favorite customer; it truly was little Yeongu. However, there was another that you looked forward to seeing, just as much as the elementary school boy.

This person was older, around your age, with a deeply dimpled smile that made your stomach flutter. Eyes as slender as his body proportions, you'd be lying if you said he wasn't an attractive man. Hair the color of the snowflakes he walked through, eyes the color of the beverage he'd always order, skin the color of warmth in a cozy fireplace. Even his voice was warm and deep; at every conversation, while you are completely fluent in Korean, you find yourself just wanting to listen to the soft timbre.

Over time, this man — whose name you'd quickly learn was Kim Namjoon — became a regular at your little coffee shop. He'd come in at the oddest hours, either super early or super late. Hours you often worked alone, when there were fewer customers. Every time, he'd strike up a conversation as you took his order and crafted his beverage of choice (a heavy coffee brewed dark and bitter, with just a splash of cream and almond whip.) He was sweet, and eventually you opened up. He'd hang around the counter long after the transaction was completed, sometimes until another customer stole your attention away. It didn't take long for you to realize that he was far more than merely a pretty face.

In those weeks leading up to December, you found yourself smiling a bit more. Joking a bit more. Shoulders lightening a bit more. You looked forward to the increasingly insistent days where he'd waltz in — sometimes covered in raindrops, sometimes in crisp leaves, sometimes in snowflakes — always a crystal blue umbrella under his arm and a charcoal grey scarf around his neck.

It's the same person standing at the entrance now, the man currently shaking the rain from his umbrella and platinum locks. Lisa gives you a smirk as she nods her head towards the register and steps away from the counter, as if silently saying, "You're up, m'lady. Holler if you need me; I'll be doing an order in the back."

You brush your hair back into proper place, display a genuine smile, and take your stance behind the register. When Namjoon's eyes meet yours, his smile deepens and creates dimples on either side of his mouth.

After the customer in front of him pays and leaves with his order in hand, you greet him with a simple, "You haven't been in, in over a week. Finally trying to break your caffeine addiction?"

Namjoon gives a deep laugh and shakes his head. "Not in the slightest. I like being able to function as an adult in society, thank you very much." He pulls out several won from his wallet. "I'll have..."

"The usual?"

He cocks an eyebrow. "You remember?"

"Of course," you grin, and type his drink of choice into the register. Taking his money, you add, "How could I forget your order after the hilarious reaction when I suggested a mint mocha?"

The boy thinks back to the first day he walked into the café, and recalls that conversation with a groan. "Oh god, was I that bad?"

Handing him his change, you tap your chin and reply, "Well, maybe a bit. I'd never seen someone so horrified at the idea of mint chocolate."

Namjoon rubs the back of his neck with an awkward smile. "Sorry about that. Pretty terrible at hiding my disdain for that flavor combo."

"No worries! Made me laugh."

Seeing that there are no other customers behind him, you turn to the brewing station and usher Namjoon to take a seat on the bar stool across the counter. It's a position you've taken several times before. When the customers are low, as they are at this hour of evening, the platinum-haired man tends to linger and converse far after his drink is finished.

"What brings you in today? Just wanted a pick-me-up or?"

Namjoon heaves a sigh. He watches you closely but casually, silently admiring the skillful way you begin to brew the dark beverage. "I've had a lot on my mind lately, and coming here always helps me de-stress."

"Coffee helps you relax?" You can't help but chuckle at the sentiment.

"And the company."

Heat rushes to your face, and when you glance up to meet his gaze, the warmth only increases. "You're smooth, Kim Namjoon. Very smooth."

Brown eyes widen, and he bows his head so that his bangs cover his eyes. "That's not what I meant at all!"

"Calm down, you're fine. Wanna talk about what's on your mind, though?"

In all your conversations, the two of you have only ever talked on the shallow surface of various topics. You don't know much about Namjoon, and he doesn't know much about you — despite having shared extremely vague information about your year, your jobs, and your education. You feel very open with him, but most of the time, those conversations can't be had in a fifteen minute discussion at a café.

"It's a long, complicated story. I'm not sure you'd wanna hear it." He raises his hands defensively as he realizes how his words might be construed. "Not that you wouldn't understand! I just wouldn't want to be a downer."

You select the cold brew setting on the machine and let the device begin to whir to life. "Well, I've got at least the time it takes to make your drink. I'm all ears."

Namjoon shakes his head as he settles his elbows on the counter. "You're persistent."

"Honey, I've been called far worse."

Seeing your eagerness, your companion heaves a sigh and shifts his gaze from you to the window at his right. As be begins to speak, his demeanor falls a bit. He's not as happy-go-lucky; there's an err of anxiety about him that you can't quite nail down. "I've been thinking about a change in career recently. Things haven't been unfolding this year like I wanted...and I'm starting to think I'm not meant to do what I'm doing now. Maybe I need to retire — from this industry, I mean, and move on to another."

Even with that small confession, you can't help but mirror his emotions. "I hear you. I've felt similar feelings this year."

His gaze shifts back to yours, and he tilts his head in surprise. "Really? How so?"

"I told you I moved to Seoul in September, right?" Namjoon nods. "That's because I wanted a...a fresh start. I enrolled in Yonsei University, got a job here, and just...moved."

"That's pretty brave, and that's really awesome you're at Yonsei. They're a fantastic school."

"Thanks," you grin whilst popping the canister of cold brew out from under the brewing machine. "I needed to get away from certain people in my life that weren't letting me move forward, so moving was the best choice." You pour the dark beverage into a small mixer and pull out the vanilla creamer. "Sure you don't want mint this time? Last chance."

Namjoon cocks an eyebrow as a silent challenge; the expression makes you giggle to yourself as you pour the very non-mint add-ins. "Hilarious."

"Hey! Just offering." After giving the mixture a whisk, your smile falters.

Nothing gets by the observant person across the counter. "I feel like your story has a 'but' after what you ended with."

"You're good," you reply, gesturing to him with the handheld whisk. "I'm not talking too much, am I?"

Namjoon shakes his head adamantly and flourishes with his hand for you to continue. "I mean, we're practically friends now. Please, go on."

Reassured by both his calming nature and genuine interest, you continue talking. "But after getting here...let's just say it's hard to make friends and get out there in a country where you look so different, where your language isn't native, and where you know literally no one. So...ah, this year's been a pretty lonely one, and I know I still made the right choice, but now that the holidays are here..." You trail off and offer a small smile. "All that to say, I know what it's like to second-guess yourself and not have things go the way you thought."

"Seems we have a lot in common," he chuckles, leaning his chin on his hand.

The comment causes the mood to lighten, and you let a laugh slip out. "Yeah, seems so."

Before the conversation can continue, the front door opens. Yeongu enters, a couple of other customers behind him. As if on cue, Lisa enters from the back room and greets the adults with a smile and a swift, "Hi, welcome! What can I get you this evening?"

As the child approaches the adjacent counter where you stand, his grin widens. You perch your elbows on the counter and lean over. "How's my favorite customer?"

"I'm finally free from school, Ahjumma!" Yeongu cheers loudly.

"Congrats! I'm sure you're relieved." He nods affirmatively. "t's freezing outside. Are you okay?"

"I'm okay, I promise. But can I get a mint hot choco?" He holds up a crumpled bill with a toothy grin.

"Of course, you can. Extra mint, just like I promised." You nod towards the seat closest to the window. "Sit in your usual spot, okay? After I get this nice man his coffee, I'll get your hot chocolate."

As Namjoon turns to look at the child, Yeongu's eyes widen in surprise. "Namjoon-hyung! I didn't know you were here."

Much to your shock, Namjoon reciprocates the affection and hops down from his chair to bend down to Yeongu's level. "Yeon-ie!" He teases the boy by ruffling up his hair, which Yeongu scowls at him for.

"Um... You two know each other?"

"Yep!" Yeongu grins. "He's my cousin, the one I told you about yesterday."

"Oooh, that makes sense. Didn't realize my two favorite customers were related."

Yeongu laughs at the comment and hops into the chair beside Namjoon. "But I'm your favorite customer, right?"

"Of course," you tease, flashing him a playful wink.

"Oh! I almost forgot. Ahjumma, can I please have mine in a to-go cup? Mom told me to come right home so we can finish packing for our trip."

"Of course, give me just a second to get you a lid." You turn to your first customer with an apologetic smile. "Namjoon, I'm almost done with yours. Just give me a moment."

"Actually, do you mind putting mine in a to-go cup as well?" He jerks his thumb towards Yeongu. "I should probably walk him home. He lives just around the corner from me. I'd feel better if I did."

"Oh, sure, I can do that."

"Would you walk with us, Ahjumma? Pleeeease?"

Your gaze moves to Namjoon. "Do you mind?"

The elder cousin hops up from his chair, shaking his head adamantly. "Not at all! Can you?"

"Sure, I'm about at the end of my shift anyway! Let me grab my coat. I'll come with." You turn quickly to Lisa, murmuring, "Can you watch—?"

She cuts you off with a wave of her hand. "—Go! I can close up for the night. But if you don't come back with a date planned, the invitation to spend New Years with Jungkookie and me is rescinded."

With a playful eye-roll, you peck her on the cheek and run to the back for your coat. Once you return, you find Namjoon scuffling Yeongu's dark locks with a dimpled smile. Looking back up as you return, the expression doesn't falter.

"Ready?"

You nod and follow behind through the exit, trying to ignore the wink and dual thumbs-ups Lisa flashes you as you pass.

Once on the street, Yeongu walks ahead of you and Namjoon. The first few minutes are silent between you two. From ahead, you can hear the small child talking to himself, or perhaps his hot chocolate, and then occasionally to the adults.

As you cross the busy street, Namjoon clears his throat. "So...you have any plans for Christmas?"

You scoff under your breath and shake your head. "Why does this topic keep coming up?"

"Hope I didn't offend," he laughs. "Yeongu said something about a café girl not having plans last night. I figured it was you."

"Trust me, you're good. But yeaaah. Kinda new to Korea. I spent the fall settling in and trying to start over. Between work and school, didn't expect much. Holidays sneaked up on me, I guess."

There's a pause as the trio rounds the corner. Yeongu finishes his hot cocoa along the way and hands the empty cup to Namjoon. The elder doesn't even hesitate to take it, and the boy rushes ahead to what you assume is his home. Over his shoulder, he shouts, "Thank you for the choco, Ahjumma!"

You grin widely and wave. "You're welcome!"

Yeongu turns to Namjoon, sticks out his tongue in a playful manner, then disappears into his house.

"Aaand that's the thanks I get." Namjoon rolls his eyes and turns his body towards you, giving you his full attention as the sun sets behind Seoul Tower. "I have a crazy idea."

"Oh, really?" You cross your arms over your chest and cock an eyebrow. "Those are my favorite kind of ideas."

"Cheesy," he grins. "Well...I don't have any plans either. Maybe we spend it together?"

"No plans, huh? Do I look that pitiful?"

"No! No, it's not that at all, god." Namjoon's smirk falls from his face as a horrified expression drowns out any humor. "Sorry if that's how it came off. I just—You seem really nice, and it's been a while since either of us just enjoyed someone else's company. No strings. No pressure."

Tugging your lower lip between your teeth, you shuffle in your step. "I don't know, Namjoon..."

"Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I hate to see anyone's shoulders so heavy in December. How about this — give me three days to prove the magic isn't lost."

"Three days? That's it?"

"That's it."

"Okay then, Mr. Kim." You offer a hand in his direction. "Three days."

Namjoon's eyes lock with yours, as does his hand. "It's a deal."

The following weekend you wake to a phone call coming in from your recently-added number. Rolling out from under the covers to grab the device from the nightstand, you answer with voice still groggy with sleep. "Hello?"

"Are you still sleeping?" the caller laughs in a deep timbre.

"Shuddup." Peaking an eye open, the time on the screen reads just after eleven a.m. "It's not that late."

"Really?"

"Did you call me just to make fun of my lack of healthy sleep schedule, or did you have a point?"

"Ouch!” Namjoon exclaims playfully. “I actually did call, and it's actually perfect because I don't need you ready to go until around three this afternoon. So you can totally just go back to sleep."

You curl back under your heated blanket and revel in the warmth it provides. Beside you, Mochi curls closer, nearly sitting on your head. "Mmm sounds perfect. Wait—what?"

"You heard me." There's a hint of teasing in Namjoon's words. "It's Day 1. Be ready for an outdoor adventure by three. I'll pick you up then, okay sleepyhead?"

The butterflies rumble in your stomach at the nickname, and you clear your throat before replying. "Yep, got it. Three p.m. Outdoor adventure. Can't you tell me what it is or where we're going?"

"And ruin the surprise? No way. Just trust me, Jagi."

A squeak slips out, and you throw your hand over your mouth to hide it. "Okay, see you there—I mean then!"

You can almost hear Namjoon shaking his head as he says his goodbyes and ends the call. Despite still being sleepy and warm and cozy in your nest, you lie wide awake in bed for the next half-hour, replaying his voice over and over in your head like a well-loved record.

The day flies by, and eventually it's approaching three. You've dressed to impress while still trying to keep it casual. Despite this being a date, it's still casual. You like Namjoon a lot, and you hope he likes you as well. However, outside of conversations at the café, you haven't spent a lot of time together yet. This is as good a second-first impression as any, and you intend to make the most of it.

Grabbing your winter coat and scarf, you scurry down the stairs and spot Namjoon lingering by the entrance with two cups in his hands. He's dressed in jeans and a sweater with a dark grey jacket over top, his usual scarf looped twice around his neck. A beanie covers his head, but bits of his platinum hair still stick out in places. Slung across his shoulder is a brown leather backpack. He always looks nice, that much you know, but the fact that today he looks nice for you makes you sickly happy.

He flashes a smile as you bound out the door. "You look rested," he teases, then offers you one of the cups.

Taking it with a nose scrunch, you look down at the order on the side, seeing that it's your usual order. "How did you know!"

He shrugs. "I have my ways."

"Was it Lisa?"

"Maybe..." He straightens up and nods his chin towards the nearby station. "Follow me for our first adventure!"

After boarding the train to Itaewon, you can't help but wonder where he might be taking you. Your mind goes through all of the things to do in Itaewon, but the list is lengthy. From his excited and proud expression, you know Namjoon has been looking forward to this all day, just as you have.

After exiting fifteen minutes down the line, Namjoon reaches for your free hand. "May I...?"

Your fingers close the distance, glove-covered palm clasping his. "Lead the way."

Namjoon grins, then tugs on your hand as you exit the station. Once outside in the frigid air, you see your breath come out in puffs of fog. You tighten your scarf around your neck and allow your companion to usher you down the sidewalk, towards a clearing in the colorful buildings of Itaewon-do.

Another block or so, and you see the direction in which he's heading. A large sign along the way reads, "Grant Hyatt Seoul Ice Rink" in bold Hangul. Your eyes widen as the realization hits you, and the excitement inside you grows. "How did you know I've wanted to go ice skating!"

Namjoon shuffles up to the ticket counter, replying over his shoulder, "Um...lucky guess?"

As he purchases your tickets, you take a moment to absorb your surroundings.  The trees are glowing from the lights covering every branch and trunk. They surround the rink and give a glow from within that is so much softer and more intimate than the harsh lighting of the city. The Hyatt Hotel stands as a black silhouette against the horizon. In the opposite direction, you can see N. Seoul Tower already lit up as the afternoon lighting shifts to evening. Projectors shine shapes of glittering snowflakes across the ice, giving another layer of ambient lighting to the rink.

"I haven't been since I was a kid," you add, staring at the exterior of the open-air rink with awe. Namjoon hands you the ticket, which you use for entrance and skates before shoving it into your jacket pocket. "Have you ever been before?"

"Yeah, a...few times. Hey, what size shoe are you?" When you tell him, Namjoon grabs a pair of skates from the shelf beside the ticket booth and gestures for you to sit on the bench across from it. "It can be tricky to lace your skates properly," he commentates as he kneels down in front of you and begins to untie your boots. "It's really something you have to adjust yourself, so let me know when I'm close?"

Not having any words to respond at his sudden closeness, you nod the affirmative and watch in silence as he puts one boot to the side, slips the skate on with ease, and begins to adjust the laces like a professional. After repeating the movements with your other skate, he taps your knee and looks up at you.

"Too loose? You want them to be as tight as you can handle to keep your ankles steady."

Moving your feet, you shake your head from side to side. "A bit more. I'd hate to have Day 1 turn into a trip to the E.R."

"Definitely, nothing says ‘Christmas magic’ like an emergency room visit," he laughs, adjusting your laces as you requested. "How's that?"

"Much better, thank you."

After lacing up your skates as tight as you can handle, Namjoon stands and offers you an arm. He helps you waddle over to the entrance, gently sliding you onto the ice despite your shaky knees and flailing arms. You soon realize that it might be best to hold tight to the barrier and stick only to the periphery.

He doesn't follow you on at first. When you turn and look back for him, he waves you on. "You go ahead. I need to grab my skates first."

"Mmm fine, but if I break my neck trying to catch your ass, you're paying for ramen after. Got it?"

Namjoon gives you two thumbs ups as he lets you go onto the ice. "Loud and clear."

Eventually, you begin tugging yourself along, trying but failing to keep up with the traffic of more experienced skaters. Even compared to those half your age, or even less, you're the child on this rink.

About half-way around the rink, you spot Namjoon making his way towards the entrance. Waving your hand, your smile widens when he sees you. He waves back, nearly bumps into the person ahead of him at the gate, and you murmur to yourself, "This should be good."

Namjoon hits the ice. He's not like the barreling disaster you are, but like a graceful swan. It catches you off-guard; if anything, you expected him to fall flat on his face or tumble over a child on his way over to you on the opposite side. He needs no assistance from the railing, nor does he struggle to cross the center and come to a full stop in front of you. His skates make a graceful scraping sound, and his stance is one of a professional. Even his skates are different than yours; they're custom, and you realize that must've been what he was carrying in his backpack.

You assume the awestruck look on your face is the reason for his smirk and laughter. He does a spin for dramatic affect as he closes the distance between you. "Surprised?"

"For starters! How the hell are you so graceful? You're literally twirling around on one foot on a frictionless surface, and I can barely make a left turn!"

The platinum blond gives you a look like you're still missing the point, then extends his hand. "C'mon, I can help you more than the railing can."

"Promise not to sue me if I break your face by crashing into you?"

"Promise, now grab my hand and skate!"

Your hands in his, you take the leap of faith and separate from the barrier around the oblong rink. Namjoon slowly skates backwards, carrying you the whole way. Your eyes remain glued to your trembling feet, careful not to have the blades deviate too far out to one side or the other.

"Look at you!" he cheers, ever the positive one. "A whole two minutes on your feet."

"Shut up."

You won't deny that your progress surprises even you. Despite having to hold both his hands for the first ten minutes, then eventually one as you skate side-by-side for the following half-hour, you're more adept at skating than you thought you would be.

"You think you can try on your own for a lap?" he inquires.

Giving a hesitant nod, you let go of Namjoon's hand, saying, "Don't leave my side, okay?"

"Wouldn't dream of it."

Taking a deep breath in, you push one skate out in front of the other and move yourself forward. The other follows after, and you get about twenty feet before you stumble and nearly fall face-first. Luckily, Namjoon keeps his promise and wraps his arms around your waist before you crash.

"Good try!" he exclaims, keeping his arms around your middle even after you regain your balance. "You got pretty far, actually."

You give an awkward chuckle and lay your nervous hands over his at your hip. "Maybe I'm not quite ready for a free-skate yet."

"No worries." He lets his arms drop and retakes your hand to steady you. The dimples appear next to his smile as he adjusts your beanie on your head, which had nearly fallen off in your almost-fall. "But I gotta say, you didn't have to fall for me on Day 1."

"So smooth!" You roll your eyes and give his shoulder a playful shove, only to gasp and reach back for him when he naturally skates backwards at the push. "Nevermind, I take it back. Please don't leave me in the middle of the rink."

Namjoon lets out a loud laugh, nearly doubling over as you cling to him. "You're so cute."

As you skate together, you keep getting the feeling that Namjoon has spent far more time on the ice than you previously assumed. After you get the hang of it yourself and are able to wobble along beside him without a constant hand to hold, he smiles a proud, wide smile.

"See? I knew you could do it!"

You raise your eyebrows at him. "Still nowhere near close to you."

"That's what a lot of people say," he brushes it off.

"Way to brag there, Joon," you snort, then immediately freeze in place so suddenly that you nearly fall over again. "Wait—you don't mind if I call you that, do you?"

Namjoon's smile shows his dimples, and they deepen with his reply. "Not a bit." The song changes, playing the symphonic piece "Noel on Ice." Namjoon's face lights up, and he turns back to you with a wink. "Watch me?"

Nodding affirmatively, you release his hand and let him skate towards the center of the rink. His gaze remains on you as he spins to a stop in the middle, then turns his gaze downwards. Arms still at his sides, and his shoulders straighten. You await with bated breath for the next note.

The melody lifts, and Namjoon's arms follow suit. Piano notes drip across the chilled air, and the violin prompts an extension of his hands upwards. Then he moves, gracefully flowing from one movement to the next, as if this has been an ice dance built into his very being. The harp and cello urge him to move faster, spinning like a dancer across their stage.

Namjoon spins into the air, fully coming off the ice. Your hands fly up to cover your mouth out of fear, but he lands it with ease, shifting into his next series of steps like a professional. Flawless and practiced, he's caught the attention of everyone at the rink. As you look around, you see everyone else focused intently on the skater. Some even have their phones out to record. Not just one or two people, either; you see at least a half dozen with their cameras trained on Namjoon.

That in particular has you perplexed. Brows pulling together, you shift your eyes back to Namjoon. The piece is nearing its close, and he's moved back to the center of the ice. Twirling in place, he's moving like a spinning top. Always in a single place, so fast you can barely see, gracefully shaving ice under him so that snowflakes fall around him. He lowers, nearly sitting as he continues to twirl on one foot. The music grows to its crescendo. Slowly, he rises up and extends his hands towards the sky.

And then it hits you.

There's a reason why his face, his voice, and his presence is so familiar to you. You couldn't put your finger on it until just now, but the way he moves on the ice like he's the only one in the room — like it's a second home — brings you back to one of the first days you had in Seoul. That first day, at the Incheon Airport, the man you saw being bombarded with press and fans. Then again on the screens in the lobby of the immigration center. And again a few nights ago on the news.

RM Nam. South Korea's pride and joy, their greatest skater, the man bound for the Winter Olympics until a training injury earlier in the year put him out for the season. You're not into sports, but even you knew him by name and the tragedy that had occurred.

That legendary skater was the one in front of you now. He hadn't mentioned it, and you didn't suspect a thing until today. While definitely a shock, you can't help but be in awe of him even more. He isn't just good on the ice — he's like nothing you've ever seen.

As the music comes to a close, Namjoon skates to a halt. His spin finishes, and he ends with a ending pose bow. Clearly out of breath and shoulders heaving, his gaze shifts to you once again. Your smile widens, and you throw your hands up as you cheer. The others around you begin to clap, but you're by far the most enthusiastic one there.

Suddenly, Namjoon's persona returns to that of a shy and humble one. He bows again in the directions of the viewers, then scurries out from the center and back to you. Eventually, those around you begin to skate once more, ignoring the fact that one of the biggest sports icons in all of Korea is among them.

Namjoon runs a hand over his bleached hair, his smile sweet and his eyes a little nervous as he approaches. You shake your head in awe, letting a surprised laugh slip out.

"Okay, I see exactly what you're doing now. You suggested ice skating because you're Olympic-level! That's totally cheating, by the way."

Namjoon skids to a stop in front of you, as graceful as his takeoff. Without thinking, you reach your hand for his, which he gladly takes. "Figured it out finally, did you?"

"Call me stupid, but I honestly didn't see it until just now." You shove his shoulder with your free hand, only encouraging his teasing reaction. "RM: Guessing that's a stage name?"

He adjusts the beanie over his hair and gives an affirmative gesture. "Yeah, mainly to protect my privacy. Skating world can get pretty intense, sometimes."

You move your chin towards his shoulder, recalling that's where the injury occurred over the summer. "Are you okay?"

"Oh yeah, totally okay. I go to PT a couple times a week. Mostly healed up, just can't compete for another few months. My coach has made me swear off skating until the New Year, but I figured it was worth throwing a little extra into trying to impress a pretty girl." He tilts his head to the side, rubbing the back of his neck with a gloved hand. "Did it work?"

Instead of responding verbally, you curl your finger towards you, a mischievous smile on your face. Namjoon lowers his head and skates closer to you. When he's within arm's reach, you lean up and press a kiss to his cheek. A giggle slips out as his eyes widen and his cheeks flush.

"So... Is that a yes?"

"Yes!" you exclaim, throwing your arms in the air and nearly falling over for the hundredth time that night.

Namjoon returns the chaste gesture to your temple as he helps you recover your balance. "Skate with me some more then?" he murmurs, adjusting your scarf around your neck with gentle fingers.

Your face hot and your stomach fluttery, you nod your response and loop your arm around his. "Only if you show me how to do that fancy twirl there at the end."

The idea has Namjoon laughing loudly. "That's my variation on the basic Scratch Spin, which took me about three months to nail perfectly in a routine."

"Then you'd better prepare to be here 'til February!"

After skating for hours, until both of you are exhausted and ready for food, Namjoon takes you to a nearby ramen shop that's close to the train station. It's a hole-in-the-wall, with less than five tables, but with ramen you're able to find a park bench and settle down there with your backs to the city lights and your eyes on the stars overhead. You each mostly in silence, just enjoying each other's company and the delicious food. You make sure to tell your companion how great the choice was, and you insist on coming back again soon.

After wrapping up the meal and seeing the late hour on your phone, Namjoon suggests you both start heading home. "Hate to have to take a bus at this hour instead of the last train," he snickers.

Fully in agreement, you let him take your hand again as the pair of you begin to walk back home. First on the train, then on the sidewalk the short distance to your apartment building.

As you turn the corner onto your short street, your apartment in sight, you rest your head against Namjoon's shoulder and sigh happily. "Thank you for today. It was just...magical."

"Christmas magic?"

You nod against his jacket, wistful and content. "Definitely."

Stopping outside your apartment, you turn towards him, not letting go of his hand. Namjoon gives you a content smile as he looks at you, one where his eyes glisten at his coming words. "Then I have a chance."

"At what?"

He reaches yet again for your scarf, moving it from around your lower face so he can cradle it in his hands. "Restoring your hope in the holidays, and your hope in yourself and your choices."

"Ooof, that's getting ahead of it, I think." You bite the inside of your cheek as a small tug of anxiety and sense of being lost pulls at the back of your mind.

But Namjoon is relentless in his pursuit, and for that you're grateful. "That's why I have two more days planned."

"Already?" you laugh.

"You bet!" he exclaims. "In fact, I'll pick you up at nine on Saturday, but don't wear a dress or skirt. Are you free then?"

"For you, absolutely."

His teeth show through his grin, and he leans forward to press a kiss between your eyebrows. The gesture is gentle and sweet, made even more so by the warmth of his hands on your cheeks through his gloves. Nevertheless, it leaves you breathless.

After a moment of silence, he pulls away and lowers his grasp, but you crave the contact as soon as he relinquishes it. He nods towards your apartment, as if saying, "I'm not leaving until you're home safe."

You take the hint and give a tiny wave as you enter your building. "Have a great night, Joonie," you whisper through the cracked door. "And thanks again."

Namjoon waves back. "Goodnight, [Y/n]. Sleep well."

Saturday can't come quickly enough. You find yourself smiling more often, a joyful feeling in your heart as you go about your work shift and college classes. Even the smallest and insignificant things feel a little easier. The weather wasn't just cold anymore; it was full of beauty and hope and Christmas spirit.

Maybe Namjoon was right. Maybe he was helping you turn a corner.

Right before you're ready to head downstairs to meet Namjoon at the entrance, your phone begins to buzz. Lit up on the screen is an international number, but the area code is that of your old home. The butterflies of excitement die almost instantly, shriveling up into tiny balls of anxiety in your stomach.

Even though you ignore the call, you can't resist listening to the voicemail left behind. Putting your phone on speaker, you're shocked to hear your mother's voice wishing you a Merry Christmas, saying that she and the family miss you, and that they wished you would visit so you could clear up everything that went wrong over the summer. Your throat constricts at the sickly sweet tone; her voice always did drip in honey when she wanted something, she she was trying to manipulate her child. Between her conniving control and your father's lack of respect for privacy and personal boundaries, you remember all over again why you left.

You jump as your apartment bell rings, and the small screen by the door shows Namjoon at the entrance. "[Y/n], are you up there? I texted twice...not sure if you got those."

Looking down at your screen, you see that he's right. You have two unread texts from the last five minutes that you missed due to the unexpected caller. Shaking yourself out of it, you shoot him a quick response, close everything out, and head for the ground level.

"There you are!" Namjoon greets with a grin that almost makes you forget your mother's call.

Almost.

Forcing a smile and reply, "Sorry, I don't know why I didn't see your texts."

"No worries." He waves his hand as if to say it's nothing to worry about. "Are you okay? You seem bothered about something."

You glance up at him, unable to deny he looks slightly concerned. You mirror his laissez-faire attitude and brush it off. "Totally good. Heading to the station?"

"Not this time." Namjoon gestures towards the bike parked by the corner of the building. "You ready to go?"

"Both of us, on that? Are you sure that's safe?"

"Oh yeah! Trust me." He kicks the stand down and mounts the bike, patting the extended seat behind him. "I once rode up Namsan Mountain with Seokjin on the back of this thing, and let me tell you, he's a hell of a lot bigger than you."

Knowing he's probably right, you settle yourself on the seat behind him and wrap your arms tightly around his middle. It's probably not the most well-balanced thing in the world, but you trust Namjoon more than you buy into your fear of falling. "No skirts or dresses, huh?"

"Now you get it," he laughs, pulling out onto the bike lane on the street headed into towards the older side of the city. "Unless you'd like a wardrobe malfunction."

He picks up speed and gets to an easy pace down the street. It's fast enough to get to your location speedily but slow enough that you're able to stare at the beautiful buildings and wondrous landscape around you. Even the people have an aura of happiness caused by Christmas. Had it always been this stunning? Or had you been blind to it until just now?

"Seokjin, as in Kim Seokjin, your rival?"

"So you do watch the news," he sighs. "They aren’t portraying us as friends these days, are they?"

You shake your head and rest your chin on his shoulder. "Not really. I didn't know you were friends."

Namjoon shrugs his shoulders slightly, his voice monotone. "Yeah, well, we've known each other since we were seven, got into skating together around that time, and have been friends ever since. While I wish I didn't have to sit this one out, I couldn't be happier to have him representing South Korea at the Worlds — sorry, that's what we call the World Figure Skating Championships."

"Yeah, they're kind of painting you as opposites."

"That's just what the news does, I guess. Gossip and tabloids and fan-wars. I fell on the ice and hit my shoulder pretty hard; it had nothing to do with Seokjin. He and I talked before I left, too. We're on good terms. Most of us from South Korea are friends, actually. We only get represented as enemies because it's a competition. But a lot of times we're on the same flights, in the same hotels, in the same training areas, you get the idea."

Namjoon pulls up to a stoplight at a near empty intersection, waiting silently for it to shift colors. "Is that what you meant by change of career?" you inquire.

"You're observant," he chuckles.

You turn to rest your cheek on his back. "For what it's worth, and keep in mind that I don't know the first thing about figure skating or your injury or anything like that, but as someone on the outside looking in, you're still so talented. Last week, when you were skating alone, I couldn't tell at all you were injured, and you looked like you were really enjoying it. I don't know if that means anything to you coming from a novice, but if you're still in love with skating and want to get back out there, I think you should go for it. You're still spectacular to watch, Joonie."

There's a beat of silence, but then Namjoon glances over his shoulder and winks at you. "Would you come see me perform live if I did?"

Shrugging your shoulders, you state, "Why not?"

He laughs at your silly expression, then begins to move the bike again as the light finally shifts. "That actually means a lot, [Y/n]. Thank you."

The rest of the ride is quiet, at least until you begin to hear the sounds of a bustling outdoor market. Namjoon turns the final corner, and you're elated with the stone street in an older part of Seoul. Vendors in various booths stretch out in every direction. Some sell food or drink, some sell trinkets or clothing, some even sell vintage books or vinyls or movies. Every nook and cranny has something special to offer. The sights, smells and sounds bring an enormous smile to your face as Namjoon steadies the bike to a stop beside the bicycle rack.

You hop off with his help, nearly bouncing up and down from excitement as he parks and locks his bike on the stand. "This is amazing!" Turning to him, you catch him off-guard with a tight embrace, wrapping your arms tightly around his neck and pulling him down to you.

Namjoon seems amused by your eager reaction, and he pulls you closer to him. "I thought you would like it. There's nothing quite like Christmas than a market."

After letting him go, you press a kiss to his cheek as you lower back down to your level. Namjoon's hands tenderly cradle your face, just like last time, only today he's glancing away from  your eyes and down to your lips. As your heartbeat quickens, you pull him back to you, fingers grasping at his winter jacket.

His voice is deep and soft as he asks, "May I...?"

Your cheeks flush as you nod your approval. Namjoon's dimples deepen as he lowers his face to yours, barely brushing his lips against yours in the gentlest kiss you've ever had. You close the distance, tugging at his jacket so he moves closer. He gives a tiny laugh against your mouth, then follows your guidance to deepen the kiss. One hand slips back to your hair; he gently plays with the strands.

A moment later, and you're sighing as he pulls away, both light-headed and light-hearted. Namjoon smiles down at you, gives you a surprising second peck, then pulls back with a chuckle. "You're a really cute kisser, y'know that?"

You drop your head and hide your face in the front of his coat. "Shut up."

Your companion's laughter echoes in the air around you as he wraps an arm around your shoulders and places his lips briefly on the top of your head. "Are you hungry? I know where we can get the absolute best Tteok-kkochi."

Eventually you lift your head and nod, feeling your stomach rumble at the thought of rice cake skewers. Namjoon moves his arm from around your shoulders, taking your hand instead, and ushers you into the first aisle of the Christmas market.

If it was magical from the outside, it's even more so from within. Somewhere in the distance, you hear holiday music playing. Not the commercial Christmas songs you're used to, but instrumental music that plays perfectly with the sounds of the market crowds. You're awestruck by every single booth you pass, and Namjoon promises to take you back to all of them after you grab a bite to eat.

Which are well worth the walk into the interior of the market. The Tteok-kkochi are cooked to perfection, drowned in a sauce, and by far the best you've ever had. Even after circling back to the booths you missed on the way, you beg Namjoon to lead you back to get another set.

"I've found heaven," you exclaim dramatically, taking the next two from the cook behind the counter and hanging one to your companion. "I'll never have rice cake skewers this good again."

After paying, you spot a section of the market decorated with lights and colorful orbs, much like the decorations you're used to seeing in the West. "Can we go over there next?"

Namjoon spots where you're pointing and eagerly agrees. The pair of you make your way towards the greenery and decor, amazed at the giant Christmas trees decorated to perfection on the periphery of the market.

"That's a massive tree," he gasps, staring upwards. "Are those normal in America?"

"Maybe at a mall or outside a hotel or something," you reply, equally as taken back. "I've never seen one that big in person in a long time."

As you peruse the Christmas section of the market, slipping from booth to booth as the clock strikes Noon, Namjoon asks, "Have you decorated your apartment at all? I know it can be kinda hard to find stuff in Korea like you're used to."

"Not really," you admit in passing. "Between work and school and, y'know, starting a new life in a foreign country, the holidays kinda fell on the back-burner."

Namjoon taps your shoulder, ushering your attention towards the old, American Christmas movies booth a few spots away. You gasp and rush over with renewed excitement, eyes scanning eagerly over the shelves. They have just about everything, from the classics like "It's A Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Carol" to movies you grew up on like "Home Alone" and "Elf." The more you sort through the outdated DVDs, the bigger your smile gets.

"What's your favorite Christmas movie?" Namjoon asks, casually looking through the Christmas vinyls on the booth next to the movies.

"Without a doubt, Ron Howard's 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas.'"

"The one with Jim Carrey?"

"You know it!"

He laughs. "Yeah, my little sister and I watched it a lot when we were kids."

Your head perks up at the mention of a sister. "I didn't know you had siblings, either."

Namjoon nods. "Yeah, she's in college, too. Studying to be a psychologist."

"She sounds amazing."

"Yeah, the family is very proud. I know I am." He pulls out a vinyl for one of Frank Sinatra's Christmas records. "Do you have siblings?"

At the question, your gaze shifts back to the movies, hands preoccupied with finding the perfect one. "I do. A brother and a sister."

"Older?"

"Yeah..."

"What are they like?"

"A lot like my parents," you sigh, moving on to another shelf, turning your back to your companion. "Which is part of the reason I left, so..."

Namjoon senses your anxiety around the topic and rests a hand on your shoulder as he passes by. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize--"

You cut him off with a casual wave of your hand. "It's no worries, really." Spotting the record under his arm, you ask, "Find one you like?"

While he doesn't seem to buy your act, he lets the conversation go and holds up the vinyl for "Tales of Noel on Ice" by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, as performed by the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra.

"You don't already have that one?" you gawk in surprise.

"I don't actually," he admits bashfully. "The title composition is one of my best free skate performances, and I have a record player at home, so why not?" He gestures to the movies. "Did you find one?"

"Oh, I don't need one! I was just looking. I don't even have a DVD player anymore."

"I do, so pick one out and maybe we can watch it sometime."

You shake your head at him, trying to subdue a chuckle. "A record player and a DVD player? You're so odd."

"But to your benefit," he reminds you with a wink, pulling out a single movie nearest him. It happens to be your favorite with Jim Carrey in all his hilarious glory on the front.

Cocking an eyebrow, you give a tiny round of applause at the luck of pulling that film out of all the others. "Well, you're going to have to invite me over sometime then."

"You can count on it."

For the next couple hours, Namjoon and you make your way through the entire market, hitting all the shops that interest and intrigue you. All the while, you talk about a plethora of things and get to know each other letter. For instance, you find out that he was born in Ilsan, not too far from where you are now, and that he hates seafood just about as much as mint chocolate. You also find out that he looks like his mother, who was the one that got him into skating to begin with. And to no one's surprise, Namjoon is actually very funny. Not only is he smart, athletic, and good looking — which alone would have caught your attention — he's got a wicked sense of humor to top it all off.

Likewise, he learns more about you. You tell him about the city you grew up in, the friends you had in high school, what you studied before you came to Korea. You tell him that along with your studies, you're really invested in writing and try to make time for that as well. It hasn't been so easy since the move, but you're hoping to get back to it in the new year.

As you approach mid-afternoon, and the final leg of the market, your phone begins to buzz. Your screen lights up with the same foreign number as before. Instantly, both your feet and your heart stop. Your shoulders tense up, and you turn to a blissfully unaware Namjoon, saying, "Hey, I gotta take this. You go on ahead."

"Are you sure?" he asks, the person in front of him not the same happy-go-lucky one as before.

You give him a nod of reassurance. "I'll catch up."

Before he can reply, you've turned and moved towards the massive Christmas trees, where there's an opening and the crowds are quieter. Despite what you told him, you don't intend on answering. Whoever is on the other end of that line, be it your mother or father or siblings, you want nothing to do with them. You do, however, want this to be over. You promise yourself to hear the message, block them, and then go run an errand after the holidays to get a new number.

After the call drops, you wait with an anxious feeling building in your stomach. Maybe they didn't leave a message. Maybe it wasn't your family after all. Maybe — 

A soft ping alerts you that you have a new message. Selecting it, you raise your phone to your ear and hear your father this time. He repeats all of what your mother said, only with a layer of frustration and authority that she didn't use. He's borderline cruel as he spouts the same old lies that you're trying to unlearn; it's your fault, it's because of you, you're the cause of it. What it is, depends on the day. This time is has to do with your family not being the same and their world falling to pieces. He uses colorful sentences, well-crafted insults, but all you hear is blame, blame, blame. 

Tears prick your eyes as the voicemail ends, and you realize you should've just deleted the message when you had the chance. A small part of you still hoped they would change, even after all this time, but you see now that it's not possible.

They will never change, and neither will you.

The pit of depression weighs down in your stomach, and loneliness tingles at the back of your throat. Why now? Out of all the times, out of all the days, why are you feeling these things now? You're out having an adventure with a man who you really like, and who you know likes you, in a city you now call home. You're far from any sadness or trauma or family or friends that once brought you down. You've left your past behind. You'd started to feel like there was hope in the holidays and in the future again, like the last year was worth the pain, like everything was starting to turn around.

But suddenly, that snake is wrapped around you again, pulling you back into old habits and old ways of thinking. It's grabbed on tight and is pulling you back into the dark, away from people you care about, away from people who care about you.

Even as you glance up at Namjoon a few stalls away, completely naïve to the painful flickers going through your mind, you feel the need to draw back. Pull away. Stay away. Go back to the security of the known, of the sad, of the lonely. It's warm and comfy, even if it hurts.

Clenching your fists, you try to silence the noise in your brain by shaking your head. The thoughts only grow louder, and the pit in your stomach gets heavier. You haven't felt a depressive episode like this in a long time. You thought they were long gone, especially now, especially with him...

"[Y/n]? Are you okay?"

Looking up, you see Namjoon's approaching you in the clearing. One hand carries the movie and vinyl he purchased for you both, but the other is outstretched towards you. While you don't pull away from his touch, you taste bile in the back of your throat.

"I—I need to go home," you mutter. "I'm starting to feel sick."

"Oh, okay, hold up I'll go get my bike and I'll take you home."

Feeling your breath quicken, you pull your gaze from Namjoon and nod shakily. The walk back to the bike rack is silent, even the crowd outside fades to a low background murmur. Namjoon places the purchased items in his bicycle carrier, then mounts it.

You follow suit, regret beginning to pile up inside you. Running isn't going to help anything, and you know he must be hurt and confused. But to you, the only thing you can do right now to protect yourself is get away from it all and go back to the place where you feel safest.

Tears burn your eyes as you curl up against him. Namjoon pedals speedily to your apartment, making the trip faster than last time. When he pulls up to the curb, you hop off without a word.

"Do you need me to walk you up?" he offers, worry causing his brows to pull together.

You shake your head and put distance between you both. "No, I'm fine. I'll...text you later, okay?"

Without another word, you turn and enter through the front, leaving Namjoon behind on the other side. Trekking up the stairs, through the door, past a mewling Mochi, you curl up on your bed and let yourself finally feel all the sadness piled up inside.

Fifteen minutes later, the waterworks flow when your phone lights up from an incoming text. Knowing exactly who it is, you grab it and text a swift message to Namjoon.

"I'm so sorry I left so suddenly. And that I ruined our day. Not feeling like myself."

"That's okay. I just got home, so I wanted to check up on you. I'm sorry you're not feeling well. Do you need anything?"

"No, but thank you."

"Okay... Maybe we can try again some other time? I'd hate to let you down on Day 2."

Unable to reply, the phone turns black and you let it fall onto the duvet.

The days leading up until Christmas Eve were long and full of guilt. You closed the café for the final time the Monday before the holiday, and with no classes to attend, you mainly stayed inside and watched the snow fall outside your tiny apartment window. Mochi kept you company, but even the small fur ball could sense that something had changed for the worse. Even she had gotten used to you being happier this December; you'd taken two steps back while attempting to take a single step forward.

Every morning, you'd spot Namjoon riding his bike past your apartment on his way to the rink where he trains. Every day, he'd stop and gaze up at the building, never sure which frosty window you were behind but melancholy just the same. He'd call and text; the former, you would never answer, but the latter, you did sporadically. Mainly at night when you thought he wouldn't be up.

He usually was.

"Was it something I did?" he asked that Tuesday before Christmas. "Did I move too fast? Did I say something I shouldn't have?"

"No. It's not you."

"Then tell me what it is. I don't want to come across as pushy, but I thought we were getting closer...and then you pull back and hide from me. From everyone. I know I don't know everything about your past or what happened before you came to Seoul, but I promised you three adventures. I still have one to make good on before Christmas."

"Joonie..."

You couldn't bring yourself to write more. The tiny part of your brain that told you that maybe this can work, maybe it's worth trying, maybe things can be different now, it was silenced by the overwhelming majority of your mind. It remembered everything from your past, from the hurt and pain, from the loneliness and fear. Despite your wish to make things right again, it was drowned out by the pure terror of being wronged again.

"Don't shut me out. Please. Let me show you things can be different now. You don't have to go at this alone, [Y/n]. Not anymore."

Pushing down the urge to cry yet again, you move your fingers to type a swift and cold reply. "I'm so sorry I wasted your time, Namjoon. I really am. I thought I was ready, but it's clear that I'm not. Please, spend Christmas with your family. Don't waste any more time on me."

And that was the end of it. You muted his notifications, ignored his calls and texts, and eventually he went silent. The day before Christmas Eve was the first you didn't hear from him, and it was the first day you felt like you'd truly fucked things up for good.

On Christmas Eve, you got an unexpected call from Lisa. Deciding to take a break from staring at an empty Word document with ever-growing frustration, you answered the call, only to be bombarded by Lisa's rambling.

"Oh, thank god! I didn't think you'd answer! I need a huge favor, and I hate to bother on such short notice on Christmas Eve, but this really cannot wait and I'll love you forever if you—!"

"—Okay, okay," you chuckle, shaking your head at her antics.

"I need you to run back to the café and grab something for me. Jungkook is on his way there, but he doesn't have a key."

"What could you possibly have left that's this important?"

"My fucking credit card."

"You've been out of town for two weeks and only just now realized you left your card?"

She heaves a frustrated sigh. "Please, just, do me this favor?"

Rolling your eyes, you pull yourself from the sofa and grab your keys on the counter. "Fine, but you owe me."

"Yes, yes, I know."

You leave the apartment in a hurry, taking the next train to the café. In less than fifteen minutes, you're at the front door. Lisa assures you that Jungkook is on his way, only twenty minutes away. After unlocking it, you make yourself at home in the lobby with a fresh white chocolate mocha. It reminds you of Yeongu, and you smile at the thought.

After about a half hour, your phone begins to buzz in your pocket. Lisa's text has you halting in place.

"I'm sorry to do this. You didn't really give me another choice. I crossed a line, but I think you'll thank me in the end."

Your fingers are swift typing a response. "What did you do?"

"You remember how you gave me a spare key in case you ever got locked out? Or in case you were kept at school too long and needed someone to feed Mochi?" A pause, then she adds, "He came to Busan, [Y/n]. He asked me in person what to do. Do you know how out of the way that was for him? Give him another chance. Please."

"You didn't."

"I did. I'm sorry, but you've talked about how you pull away when you get close to people. It's gone on for almost a week. It's Christmas Eve. You can hate me all you want later, but please. Go home, kiss and make up, then try to salvage Christmas."

A huff of air exits your nostrils as it hits you. Lisa's given the spare to Namjoon. Jungkook was never on his way; this was all a rouse to get you out of your apartment long enough for him to get inside. But to what end?

"He's good for you; I can tell that much already. If you ever were to give someone the benefit of the doubt and place your broken pieces in someone's hands, he's the best you're gonna find."

A pang of truth rocks through you, and while you have still a semblance of willpower, you shoot her a swift text and rush back for the station. "I'm still mad at you, but we'll talk later. I need to get home."

"Go get him!"

The series of stairs up to your apartment never felt so long. Out of breath and winded from rushing home, you find the door unlocked. Pushing through, the place you left less than an hour ago isn't the same as it was before.

The entrance hallway is glittering, multi-colored strands of twinkle lights hanging along the periphery. Fake snow lines the trim, and paper snowflakes are tossed across the furniture. Each one is unique and hand-crafted.

As you venture further, a rainbow array aurora covers your living room and kitchen. There must be at least a dozen lengthy strands of Christmas lights hung across the few items you've unpacked, circled around the sealed boxes, and framing every window and door.  Fake icicles hang on the windowsill, fake greenery lays where curtains should be, and a small Christmas tree stands at your height in the corner.

Jovial, English holiday music plays softly in the background. And humming along to the tune of The First Noel, Namjoon stands with bent-back facing you. He's finishing his final touches on the tree, ensuring that each sparkling orb and shimmering tinsel is perfect. He adjusts the star on the top with a smile to himself, oblivious still to your entrance.

For a moment, you stand in silence and watch him. Your heart is heavy but still beating. If anything, seeing him in the midst of such a sweet and selfless act makes it flutter. Even after cutting his well-planned adventure short, ignoring him for over a week, and telling him to stop speaking to you, he's still here. He came back, and he's trying to prove to you the truth he's been spouting all along.

Eventually, you blink out of your stupor and clear your throat to alert him to your presence. Namjoon turns on his heel, elbow grazing the tree just enough to send it toppling backward. He curses and lunges for it, grabbing it by the star just in time to keep it upright. His characteristic clumsiness prompts a snicker from you, one that you attempt to hide with your hand over your mouth.

Namjoon adjusts the tree and turns back to you with a bashful expression. His lips pull into a side-smile, a single dimple popping out in the process. "H—Hi..."

"Hi," you repeat back to him, letting your hand fall. Your eyes follow suit and drift to your damp, snow-covered shoes.

A beat of silence passes where neither of you knows what to say next. Then the both of you break it at once, words tumbling over each others several times in a row. You laugh to yourself and look back up at him; Namjoon smiles down at you, shaking his head at the awkward reunion.

He gestures silently to you. "Go ahead."

You clear your throat, then say, "I...I wanted to say that I owe you an apology."

He shakes his head firmly, extending his hands in a olive-branch manner. "No, you don't—"

Your feet move back, putting space between you both. "—Can I explain and finish, please? Just...hold your forgiveness until then." At your request, your companion falls silent, letting his hands fall respectfully at his side. Taking a deep breath and holding it for a moment, you re-calibrate your mind and prepare for your admission.

"There's a lot you don't know about me yet," you begin softly. "Ah, shit — That came out super mean. I mean, you know a lot about me. You kinda know why I moved to Korea, the situation with my family back in America, that whole thing. You know where I work and what I'm studying. You know my favorite drink of all time is a white chocolate mocha, and that my favorite customer is barely four feet tall. You know Lisa is my shield at work, and that we've become pretty close in less than a year. You know I'm a homebody and that my favorite thing to do by myself is play with Mochi and watch dramas."

You release a huff of air and raise your eyes to meet his, a wistful smile tugging the corners of your lips. "But there's a lot I haven't told you — or anyone for that matter. I've gone through...a lot of shit this year. When I moved to Seoul, my mental health was in the trash, and my self worth was in shambles. I'd just been shoved from everything I'd ever known into a foreign place."

When you pause for a moment, Namjoon's small and steady voice pipes up with a single inquiry. "I thought you left willingly?"

"I did," you state. "I've wanted to move to South Korea for a long, long time. Since I can remember. But I never thought I'd lose everything before then." Tears prick your eyes, and you lift your sleeve to wipe your nose. "Sorry."

"Don't be." Namjoon gestures towards the small sofa, and you follow his lead. You perch on a single cushion, legs folded underneath you. He takes the adjacent one, far enough to for personal space but still close enough to rest a hand on your knee. This time, you don't push him away as you catch your breath. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

"No, I do, but maybe not now." You take another breath in and focus your thoughts. "I didn't mean to start all that with the intention of being the victim and making you feel bad for me. I...I told you that because I wanted you to know that there are reasons why I push people away. I've been on a journey to heal that trauma all year, but it doesn't happen overnight. But even with that, I never should have just left like that. I never should have ignored your calls and texts. I shouldn't have made you feel like you were the bad guy, or that any of this was your fault, or that you did anything wrong. You were—"

You struggle to find a word that fits what you're truly feeling, one that doesn't feel overwhelming, but the only one that comes to mind is... "You are perfect, Joonie. You're sweet and kind. You treat me like a normal person that's worth something, and I think part of me was scared of that. Especially around the holidays, I feel very fragile, and I run from things I think might hurt me."

"I would never, ever hurt you." Namjoon flashes a soft and empathetic smile. "Can I ask why you got spooked so suddenly? You looked off when I picked you up, and I know you said it was nothing, but..."

You pull your phone from your pocket and play the message for him, the one from your mother. And when he remains silent, you play the second from your father. While he listens, you watch him. The hand on your knee turns to a fist, and his jaw clenches. Part of you is relieved that someone else is reacting negatively to the messages, yet another signal to you that your choice is validated.

"I got the first that morning, but the second right before I left," you murmur. "I didn't respond, and I've blocked the numbers, but I've felt unstable since then. That's why I shut down, and why I left."

He nods, then turns off the phone. "You don't have anything to be sorry for. That's emotional abuse and manipulation. No one should have to go through that."

"I know, but I was wrong. I'm sorry for doing that and for hurting you. It was wrong, and I don't deserve you coming back again and again...even if you concocted this up with Lisa."

At your light-hearted comment, he chuckles and bites the inside of his cheek. The fist on your knee loosens back, his fingers tapping gently against your skin. "She told you, did she?"

"Yep," you chirp. "I'll thank her later."

After a moment, Namjoon's eyes flicker back up to yours. For a moment, he almost looks worried. "Are you mad?"

"Meh." For a moment, you're able to hold your composure long enough for your companion's eyes to widen in horror. "I'm just kidding," you relent, and Namjoon looks visibly relieved. "How could I be mad? Look at all this!" You gesture to the magical space around you. "It looks like a wonderland in here."

A crimson hue fills his face, and he's all of a sudden very shy about the accomplishment. "I wanted you to feel like you had a Christmas, even if it was just for one night."

Leaning your head against the back cushion of the sofa, you stare at him with a bittersweet smile on your face. "Are you mad at me?"

He shakes his head, expression more adamant about that than anything he's said so far. "Not a bit. I was worried, yes, and maybe a little disappointed. I think most of that was tied to the fact that I thought we were on the up-and-up. I saw you slowly opening up and having a good time."

"Gahhh," you groan, eyes fluttering shut with frustration at your past self. "I really fucked it up, didn't I?"

"Not really." His hand slips up your knee, and he weaves his fingers through yours. The squeeze he gives and the gaze he locks gives emphasis to his next words. "I know I don't know everything about you, just like you don't know everything about me, but I'd be lying if I said you aren't the most joyful thing I've experienced in a while. Being around you makes me happy, and the fact that this has you so down makes me want to be there for you — if you want me to. I don't blame you for anything you've done, so you have nothing to be sorry for. Honestly, after hearing those messages and some of what you've been dealing with this year, I know I would've reacted the same way. But, if it helps your peace of mind, then I forgive it all."

"Thank you," you whisper, trying to blink away the tears pricking your eyes.

Namjoon's gaze softens, and he tugs on your hand. "C'mere." You scoot closer, and he pulls you the rest of the way onto his lap and into his arms. Your legs dangle off the side of his thighs, and your head nestles in the juncture between his neck and shoulder. One hand holds tightly to yours while the other circles your waist, dipping under your sweater to rub soothing circles on your skin. Your free arm wraps around his waist, pulling him even closer than before.

"Sometimes terrible, inexplicable things happen to us and it takes us months — even years — to process." Namjoon's timbre is quiet and deep, rumbling against your ear as he speaks. "Everyone goes through that, even me. But it's so much harder to face it alone. Sometimes it takes a lonely, awful Christmas to see just how out of sorts you are. I don't know everything, but if you'll have me, I'd like to stick around to find out."

"You'd still be willing to get to know me more, even after seeing me at my worst?"

"Jagi, if this is your worst, then I would hate to introduce you to sixteen-year-old Kim Namjoon. That boy was a train-wreck."

Letting a watery smile show as laughter escapes your lungs, you reach upward and wrap your arms around Namjoon's neck. He pulls you closer, hands splayed on your back and waist. A sense of relief, and something like home, floods through you. Burying your face in his neck, you allow yourself a moment to collect your thoughts. Ever patient, your companion just holds you close as you come back around.

"Enough with the heavy," he breaks the silence, pulling back and wiping his thumb across your cheeks. Nodding towards the front of the space, where your television is, you follow his line of sight. "I brought your movie and the player. If you're okay with me staying over, do you wanna watch it?"

Leaning forward, you bring your face closer to his, murmuring, "I'd love that."

Namjoon closes the final distance. Both your eyes and his flutter shut as your lips meet in the middle. You tug on the collar of his sweater, encouraging him closer as his arms tighten around your waist. In a burst of bravery, you run your hand through his platinum hair and nip at his bottom lip. He inhales abruptly, and you giggle in response.

"You're gonna be the death of me, [Y/n] [Y/l/n]," he laughs, eventually pulling back to catch his breath.

You grin mischievously at him, biting your lower lip. "Still sure you wanna stay?"

"Definitely. Oh! And I placed an order for takeout, which should be here any minute."

You burst into laughter, resting your forehead against his shoulder as joy fills your body. "You really put all your chips on me coming to my senses, didn't you?" When he shrugs, you add, "What if I had said no?"

"Then I would've been eating for two alone in my apartment," he groans.

You shake your head at his antics and playfully poke the dimple in his cheek. “Merry Christmas, Joonie.”

His smile deepens at your words and gesture. “Merry Christmas, [Y/n].”

Just as he promised, food arrives at the front of your apartment a few minutes later. Namjoon hops up and volunteers to get it from the entrance, and you pop the movie into the player. Silencing the music on his phone, you select the "Play" option from the menu, and the credits begin to play over Anthony Hopkins' narration as your companion returns.

He serves up the food and delivers it to you on the sofa. With a rumbling stomach, you take it gratefully. Just as the singing begins, Namjoon settles into the seat beside you, hooking your leg over his so you maintain closeness as you devour the takeout. Neither of you have seen it in so long, and thus both of you are laughing whole-heartedly at every joke and hilarious mannerism.

After the meal is finished and the dishes are on the makeshift box side-table, you find yourself slowly slipping closer to your companion. Namjoon gladly pulls you closer, and by the middle of the movie, you're back in his lap. With the blanket wrapped around you both, his chin on your head, his arms around you with one hand tracing absent-minded patterns on the skin above your pants, you know you've never been more at home in Seoul than you are right now.

"I'm sorry I ruined your grand plans for Day 3," you murmur after a while.

Namjoon's hand on your waist halts, then changes to a reassuring, tapping pattern. "Be glad you did; this is way better than anything I had planned."

"While I have to agree, what did you have planned?"

You can hear his smile in his voice. "Well, honestly I hadn't decided between Lotte World or Seoullo 7017. You said you hadn't been to either of those, and at Christmas, they're magical. All the lights, the music, it's an absolute winter wonderland."

"Well, if I get to see you skate live, then we can definitely go to those after the solar New Year. Maybe...Maybe even call it a date?"

Namjoon presses a kiss to your forehead, one that makes you grin to yourself and sigh peacefully. His reply is loud and clear, a promise reverberating through his chest. "I think that sounds perfect."

As the movie continues, you relax and think back on everything that's happened this year. All your concerns and worries you had a few weeks prior, at the beginning of December, they all seem so far away now. Even those anxieties brought up recently feel as if they're resolved. he sense is comparable to that of a chapter ending and a new one is being written. And this time, you're the one holding the pen.

At the resolution of the film, you realize that what Namjoon set out to do over a series of adventures truly did come to fruition. Be it luck or fate or whatever you want to call it, he really has given you that spark of hope in the Christmas season. It's something you thought you'd lost, or perhaps you'd left it in America along with many other things. He's brought it back to life, and so much more along with it.

All that magic, all that wonder, all that love and hope and joy — Namjoon is right. It hasn't disappeared from the world, and you haven't outgrown the things you used to feel during the holiday season. It's all still right here, in front of you and around you, waiting to be taken with grateful hands and heart. Maybe it's not in the form it used to be, nor is it in the place it used to be, but neither are you. Both you and your home have changed this year. But despite it all, you are still here, still striving to love yourself and your new life, still trying to let the magic find you.

And this year, because of a wonderful person named Kim Namjoon, you had all the love and magic you could ever need.

#bangtan-madi writes #christmas collab #bts christmas collab #bts christmas fic #christmas oneshot #christmas fic #holiday fic #holiday oneshot #bts #bangtan #bangtan sonyeondan #namjoon #kim namjoon #rm #rm x reader #namjoon x reader #kim namjoon x reader #strangers to lovers #bts x reader #kim namjoon oneshot #namjoon oneshot #namjoon fic #kim namjoon fic #rm fic #rm oneshot #kpop #figure skater au #figure skater!namjoon #cafe au #barista!mc

[deltaengineering]

that was the winter anime 2021 that was

Still not quite ready for a dozen posts about how terrible the likes of Combatants Will Be Dispatched are, sorry. Watch Vivy though, it owns. Here’s some more things that are (mostly) good. As always, worst to best.

Yatogame-chan Kansatsu Nikki S3

Yatogame has long run out of hot Nagoya facts and its ensemble comedy never amounted to much, so now it seems mostly content to just spam more and more wacky character designs. About the only thing that it has left going for it is that 3 minutes a week are more effort to drop than to watch, so I expect them to make a movie next. 4/10

Go-toubun no Hanayome S2

Quints is a weird one. S1 was a barely good enough (i.e., well above average) implementation of the ages old harem chestnut. S2 is actually better at the core of its appeal, since it gives all the characters a sharper profile (things like taking Nino from joke to badass and making Ichika a villain are no mean feat), but it does pay a steep price for it. You see, to deliver a steady drip feed of meaningful character moments it apparently has to rush through the source material at a breakneck pace, which completely wrecks the "story" part of this story and makes every episode seem like a recap. And it still keeps wasting precious time on vestigial nonsense like its framing device and the Kyoto flashback scenario that was already the worst part of S1. But by far the most annoying aspect is its insistence on keeping all the options valid, since it prevents any real progress and makes everything seem arbitrary and pointless. So sure enough, after a season of much ado we still don't end up anywhere — you can't really raise the stakes if all at stake was "who wins" to begin with. It's watchable and even enjoyable scene-for-scene but it's getting harder and harder to call it a solid show overall. 5/10

Skate Leading Stars

I was watching this primarily because I didn't like Yuri on Ice much and wanted to see if something that is a blatant attempt to cash in on it would be better — because while YoI delivers on one aspect (being hella gay), it really is an absolute shambles of a sports show. And sure enough, Skate Leading has none of the auteur appeal of YoI, but it just works much better. In particular I appreciate how it managed to make me care even a little about a cast of assholes, which is a nice contrast to the nauseatingly ingratiating way YoI tries to make you love its characters. Also, Skate Leading is just generally cheap and unambitious, so not susceptible to trying hard and painfully flaming out on the presentation side like YoI is. But at some point you gotta let go of these comparisons and on its own Skate Leading is... just fine, I guess? Competent, mildly engaging, not very memorable. And that's probably where it loses to Yuri on Ice in the end after all, even if I think it's "better". 6/10

Idoly Pride

Idoly Pride sold itself on me with a really good (and hilarious/tragic) first episode that was just too bizarre to ignore — I mean, how can you ignore GHOST IDOL MANAGERS. Well, the majority of the show isn't like that. It's a competent and solid version of the idol franchise show, yes, but it really had more potential than that. Especially midseason, it gets lost in these dozens of characters, and while they're all likeable, it does seem like a waste of a good story just centered on Mana/Kotona/Sakura. By the end it comes back around to the heart of the matter with a Maeda-style sob story, which could be a disaster but seasoned veteran Jukki Hanada makes it work anyway. Overall, there's quite a bit of ridiculous hacky melodrama in this, but quite honestly that's the best part and I wish it would concentrate more on it. The rest is just okay. 6/10

Yuru Camp S2

Yuru Camp is still likely the best pure iyashikei show when it gets down to business. Compared to S1 though, this seems to happen less and less. At its peaks (i.e., basically any quiet moment with Rin) it's at least as good as ever, and there's some good cast additions like Mini-Inuko, but it appears that Yuru Camp simply has run out of things you can do with camping and it fills up the time with other... stuff. This stuff includes the generic school club shenanigans it was never particularly good at, and a gigantic helping of crass consumerism. Yeah, I would say the majority of Yuru Camp is just a straight up infomercial at this point, which itself ranges from the perfectly acceptable (which cute anime isn't about food constantly), to the sketchy (I don't know whether the Izu tourism board cut this production a fat check, but if they didn't, Yuru Camp still gives its best effort to make it seem that way) to the highly irritating – I am aware that camping requires gear and you can't just ignore that, but you most definitely do not require whole arcs dedicated to talking about raising funds for the purposes of acquiring the Lamp of Comfy Happiness at your friendly local Caribou™ either. Not to mention an arc where the aforementioned lame school club does the same, for double irritation. Make no mistake, this show is so riddled with scenes that beg for a solution to embed affiliate links in video files that it makes me wish I was watching something as anticapitalist and underground as Love Live. And irritating really is the last thing a show with this core concept, as stellar as it is at that, can afford to be. Bummer. 6/10

SKOO the Infinity

Skoo has one really huge asset: ADAM, its magnificent villain. It also has one really huge liability: Reki, its not magnificent protagonist. To be more specific, it's very good at anything outrageous, physics-defying and silly, such as most scenes ADAM is in, and quite bad at anything serious, dramatic (in a serious way) and down to earth, such as most scenes Reki is in. So, what's the verdict? Well, the rest of the cast is more ADAM-like, and Reki's co-protagonist Langa is fine as the straight (yeah, right) man. The tedious buddy drama is a comparatively small part of this show, and at least it pays off quite well in the end. Seriously, I was ready to give this a 6, but the final episode is probably the best one of the show, in all of its aspects. That's really not something you see often. Skoo's a great time. Except when it's not. 7/10

Non Non Biyori Nonstop

Speaking of the rare good ending, what about we gave one of those to a slim and inconsequential slice-of-life show? NNB has always been solid, comfy and amusing quality with a couple of standout moments (usually something with Renge), and Nonstop has that plus an ending as conclusive as any show of this type is ever going to have. Besides, it does a lot of things right by focusing on more characters than the central 4 (especially Konomi has great material in S3), it expands the universe just enough to not get stale, and it moves things forward — It's definitely a lot better than the movie, is what I'm saying. Apart from that, well, we're three seasons in, if you have any interest in this you probably don't need me to explain what's good about NNB at this point. Bonus points for being nothing but an ad for the manga. 7/10

Wonder Egg Priority

Oh boy, so here's the big one. Wonder Egg is the rare Meaningful Arthouse Show About Real Issues You Guys, as you might have heard. And well, the long and short of it is that it's a very good show with quite a few glaring problems (besides not actually being finished due to production issues, but what we have is enough of an ending to be able to meaningfully talk about it). In particular, one problem: WEP is, at its core, one of these metaphorical Magical Girl-ish series that are just a thin layer of abstraction over coming-of-age or societal problems. The issue is that "metaphorical" in this case means "literal" and "thin" means "basically nonexistent". This show is not subtle regarding what it's about, at all. This is a double-edged sword — on the positive side, some things really should just be said aloud, and I'm really, really fucking tired of the Ikuhara style of "here's some wacky things, maybe a blog post will eventually tell you how it's actually about the most important thing ever" obfuscation — if it's really so important, just spell it out. On the other hand, there are limits to this and when a second, different Ai appears I don't really need a voiceover line telling me that yep, this show is about parallel universes now. WEP spells out many important things, but it also spells out many things that are implicitly clear or better left vague. Not to mention that with being so obvious up front, the show's tendency to leave figuring out what it's actually saying about it up to the viewer can leave the wrong impression. Again, I settled on the opinion that it's subtle after all where it counts the most, but you might easily get the impression that it pulls its punches (Ikuhara does this the exact other way around — once you figure out what the fuck he's talking about it's abundantly clear what he's saying about it).

In fact, this show is so good at subtle, quiet character moments that it calls into question the need for big huge fighting fantasy layer in the first place, especially since I'm not a fan of the fantasy designs and the fights aren't great. Sure, they look impressive on a technical level (this show is very good looking in general), but the lack of actual impact or rhythm makes me think this is not made by people who are very familiar with action and maybe they should have asked some seasoned shounen veterans for this — or just, you know, not do it. They can (and do) impress with character acting in quiet scenes just the same. And while Ai's character story actually does pay off quite nicely by the end we got, and Momoe and Rika are also handled well, Neiru's backstory is significantly less good, not to mention the whole Frill subplot regarding the show's mythology that they introduced just before (and that's the part to be resolved at a later date), which is a huge can of worms. We'll see how well they handle that, I suppose, but as it is it's a weird and vestigial detour that doesn't add much besides thematic headaches.

But yeah, apart from all that — I like it, a lot. Great character writing in the details, cool looks for the most part, tons of ambition, and a message that I consider to be appropriately handled — for the most part, and for now. Not quite ambitious arthouse anime at its finest, but also not a pretentious disaster like Sarazanmai, Monogatari et al. 8/10

#anime #review #winter2021 #Yatogame-chan Kansatsu Nikki #Go-toubun no Hanayome #Skate Leading Stars #Idoly Pride #Yuru Camp #sk8 the infinity #Non Non Biyori #wonder egg priority

[magnumdays]

Magnum PI 3.06 - The Day Danger Walked In

Where do I even begin with this episode?

Once more this was just an overall enjoyable episode with all my favorite bits! Miggy, fun side plot for the guys, (though I missed the Ferrari and beautiful Hawaii aerial shots…)and once more a totally coincidental very dangerous situation because of mostly bad luck.

I think I’m going to start with the last one.

This episode features the second full episode of hostage-by situations we’ve gotten this season. What else have we had this season - 5 episodes in? Well, let’s see the two robbery/hostage episodes, Higgy being shot. A plane crash. Now Ethan getting shot. (Plus the weird stalker in the white SUV.) 3.04 was the only really case-like ‘normal’ episode we’ve had!

Everything is a bit higher stakes this season (we also got the Juliet/Ethan thing, suddenly giving us some emotional “danger”, making us wonder how this will impact Magnum and Higgins’ relationship.) Danger is around every coroner. So ride out a hurricane in peace? Nope, forget it!

And while I very much enjoy the higher stakes, it starts becoming a little unbelievable (what? A TV show being unbelievable?). But it’s more the coincidences of how things go from ‘bad’ to ‘OMG’ that sometimes get to me. How is it they can’t even go for a green card interview in peace? 10 minutes earlier of an appointment time, that episode would not have existed. Like being trapped in a storm isn’t enough, we gotta add armored car robbers! The probability of them picking La Marianna is just so small it annoys me a bit.

I do enjoy it more when Magnum and Higgins are on a case and that leads them into danger. Being shot or crashing a plane because you went out and looked for trouble makes sense (even if it’s very unbelievable too I know…) Danger just happening… it’s a little bit of lazy writing in my opinion. I mean wasn’t it enough that the storm warning came just as Ethan had arrived but not before they had time to leave on their date? That alone is a fairly big coincidence... 

I mean I still really enjoyed this episode. It wasn’t all hostage but a lot of stuff around it, and it was more of a backdrop. Something to cause problems that had to be solved by various people working together and thus showing off their dynamic and letting them interact (such as Ethan and Magnum with the gas + talk about Higgy, Magnum/Higgy/Ethan when he was shot, Kumu/ Shammy and even Ethan/Higgy a little.)

All the relationship stuff is really what this episode is all about. We got TC and Rick moments (with Thomas being a little bit of confidant) about trust and being partners, Ethan/Higgy/Magnum - how does Ethan fit in stuff, separate from that some Miggy feels and Juliet asking/hoping Thomas and Ethan if they can be friends because she thinks her and Ethan might get serious and just all around through-out the episode Juliet being quite worried about what Thomas thinks of her boyfriend. 

Yet while we got a lot of stuff going on (some quite coincidental), still it felt like just the right amount of everything. A bit of Ethan, some jealous Magnum, not too much case, just enough fun and games and crazy to make it never boring and some good heart to heart feel-y moments to give some pay off towards the end. It’s like they finally found their groove this season and almost every episode just feels like it’s really working on all levels!

My fave moments

I had some favorite moments; Gordon going “She really wanted that power saw” about Juliet when they were putting up boards at the beginning. She really did and it was so fun. I love when Higgy doesn't get what she wants and is a bit salt-y with someone other than Thomas...

Magnum being all “It’s like me dating a client!” Um hello excuse me but did you not ask out Mitten’s the cat’s owner? (Well her mom, if we’re being technical?) Sure it’s totally about Ethan having been Higgy’s doctor…

Juliet being all “Thomas likes you fine” but then becoming suddenly super observant of how he acts and then realizing he’s not fine with it? Going so far as to actually start on a “Ethan seems to think-” before Magnum interrupts with dead security guard photos.

Magnum actually admitting he’s not sure how to share Higgy with Ethan...

Rick being tormented by the fact that he lied to TC.

Juliet drying off Ethan and handing Magnum a towel and the way he smiles and then looks so forlorn! It’s just so...I don’t know but it gives me feels and I need gifs.

The last two minutes are my favorite. From Higgy showing up, Rick sending her over to paint with Magnum, her being all ‘looks fine’ ‘liar’, her thanking him for being nice but admitting “it was really stupid” about Ethan rushing in and getting shot. That was just amazing. 

That whole end bit was just so pure and sweet and my poor baby face when she’s all “it’s pretty serious, I want you guys to be friends”. Someone hug him.

(Also who taught you how to paint? You’re just painting in the same spot over and over again!! I know it’s about them having a moment but I’m low-key annoyed on Rick’s behalf on them both sucking at it!)

Speaking of annoyed… (Ethan rant-ish bits up) 

I’m not sure how I feel about Ethan being shot and all of them being locked in a freezer (I know would have preferred a Magnum/Higgy locked in a freezer and it’s very cold story-line...but you know, we take what we can get). Him being shot felt very random and I think we almost could have just done without it? Like he could have been smacked with a gun and had a head wound. I mean I guess the only reason for him getting shot in the leg is to make sure Juliet doesn't end up going ice skating with him… (Or to make sure we don’t have to see him while he’s getting his leg back in working order... )

What was that anyways?

Ethan plans on taking Higgy ice skating and we learn that Juliet has apparently never been from Magnum. A) Why do I love that Magnum just know this, like they talked about it? B) What respectable English person has never been ice skating? C) If Ethan knew she’d never been, why would he suggest it? Unless she asked to go. I mean I get maybe he was hoping for a cute ‘trust me, I won’t let you fall’ sort of situation, but he’s been on a number of dates with Higgy by now. He must know how she hates being well... not the best at something (everything...) Going skating was not really a good plan.

Also who the heck goes ice skating in HAWAII!!! I mean come on Ethan! You’re a doctor, you’re supposed to be smart. Why not have a romantic beach picnic, much better chances of something fun going down… I’m just saying. 

Anyways, I honestly don’t know what to feel about Ethan. I like that he seems nice and not threatened by Magnum (well, for now, spend another few hours with them, you might not be so chill…) and sees that working with him is important to Juliet. Frankly I just hope things get serious with them, but in the end Juliet realizes he’s not for her and just breaks up with him because she wants to. Not because he’s a bad guy working for evil SUV guy or because does something awful. Just because while she likes him, she doesn't feel like he’s the one. Since this season seems to be drama-drama I think something dramatic is bound to happen… but I guess we’ll see!

In Conclusion

I loved it, but was a bit annoyed at some parts. I feel like everything is just flowing so well this season and I can’t wait to see how the big bad turns out and the Ethan thing and La Marianna and just all around I’m more invested in everything.

Next week’s episode looks very exciting! I’m excited for some dramatic (yet we took this case so it’s not that unrealistic) stuff going down. Kidnappings and Miggy freaking out when ‘tragedy occurs’ (and maybe having some moments). I must say as much as I enjoyed this end scene last week’s Miggy end moment (3.04( beats this one’s by just a tiny amount... 

#magnum pi #magnum pi review #magnum pi cbs #miggy #miggins #thomas magnum #juliet higgins #mine