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#his solo concert especially was such a bright and happy time <3
thebroccolination · 2 months
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Krist's Thai Fans
My favorite thing about Krist's Thai fans is how kind they are. As long as you're respectful when you ask, they're more than willing to answer questions about him and clarify the past to people who are looking for context. That's what I've always done, and it really speaks to the kind of bond that exists between him and them that although interfans have happily tried to destroy his reputation overseas for years, his Thai fans are able to be this patient dealing with the same misinterpretations of his character over and over.
And a lot of them have been fans since SOTUS. I've spoken to some who attended the filming of SOTUS. Some have known this man since he was a teenager, and since he wears his heart on his sleeve, they know him better than most fans would know the average celebrity. At the BMF finale event, he started crying when he saw a fan he hadn't seen for months. He thought she'd lost interest, but it turned out she'd just gotten busy with work and had been donating to his food support for months instead.
Before I went to Thailand, my friend told me he'd been to a bunch of BL actor events and he said of all the fanbases he saw, Krist and his fans seemed the most like actual, genuine friends. And then I attended the BMF finale event and Krist's solo concert, and my friend was right. At the fan benefits portion of both, Krist not only recognized his fans, he had unique ways of interacting with each of them. One woman opened her arms and ran at him with a yell, and he grinned and yelled back. One guy walked up to him with a beaming smile and Krist lit up and hugged him. It wasn't a, "Hey…you!" thing, he knew these people well enough that he immediately recognized them and matched their energy.
Two friends, a guy and a girl, took a 3:1 photo with Krist, and it was clear from his nervousness that it was the guy's first time meeting Krist. He lingered after, said something to Krist, and Krist beamed and took his hands. The guy walked off the stage barely keeping it together, and his friend turned around and waved at Krist with a knowing smile.
Then, during a group photo, a woman and her friend told Krist that she'd been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and she would likely never meet him again. She was smiling, and he gave her a long hug. She passed away recently.
The reason I'm so enthusiastic about Krist as a person is because I saw firsthand the amount of energy and devotion he reserves for the people who care about him. Friends, family, coworkers, staff, fans. He could easily give half of what he does and it would still be admirable. The fan benefits for the second day of his solo concert went on until at least eleven at night, and the concert started at three. And he was there rehearsing from early morning after doing another concert with benefits the day before. And he was sick. He got through both days using steroids, and he was violently ill from them afterward.
And like, every time I think about this bond with his fans, I'm moved by how immensely kind his Thai fans specifically have always been to me. They've been through so incredibly much with the weird witch hunt against Krist spearheaded by international fans. He was tormented off social media in 2020, but his long-time Thai fans were still there. Watching as western people arrived in this fandom for the first time and started cheerfully spouting death threats at someone whose language they didn't even speak. These people saw one screenshot and an inflamatory TikTok or two and rather than ask anyone why Thai fans weren't also baying for his blood, they decided they knew best and that his fans must just be simps or idiots.
When I visited Thailand last year, it struck me how humble and kind most of these actors are. Be it because they have perspective from working other jobs (doctor, chef, etc.), and if they're like Krist and only work in the entertainment industry, they might just see their fans so often and at such close range that it's probably impossible to want to maintain an Aloof and Mysterious Distance from them. Maybe it's cultural, too. Here in Ireland, Irish people famously don't give a toss when they see Irish celebrities. I saw Hozier on the corner in my neighborhood a few weeks ago chatting with an unhoused man and no one at all reacted.
All this to say, since KristSingto will be active this year, and they'll likely have a series announced at the showcase, please encourage people to do more research than skim through a YouTube video called PROBLEMATIC BAD PEOPLE IT IS ACCEPTABLE TO BE MEAN TO. If not for Krist, then for his queer Thai fans who are, I can confirm, extremely tired of international fans coming into fandom with sanctimonious and cruel intentions that make the entire experience dramatically worse.
I promise you if Krist had ever been perceived as homophobic by his Thai fans, who know him far better than we do, then his queer Thai fans would still be saying something. He also wouldn't have primarily queer friends. Like, it's not one or two. Most of his friends are queer. The industry is queer.
Anyway, y'know. Another day, another casual effort to stamp out this nonsense so we can all enjoy KristSingto time in peace.
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purpleyoonn · 1 year
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The Line Between Love and War 4
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C H A P T E R  4:  Shopping and a Concert?
“It is said that the night sky is made up of tiny wishes that humans were never able to fulfill. That the stars only became bright by the fulfillment of those wishes. In your eyes, the stars that shine never seemed real, your childhood wishes dark and dim as you grow. But now, now you understand the twinkle in their eyes as they look down at you.”
Summary: Your experiences told you that soulmates were something you would never have the pleasure of having; something not given to you because of who you are, despite the soulmark that resides on your inner left wrist. During your solo trip to Los Angeles, you find out that you are more than capable, that your soulmates had been waiting for you for a long time, and would not be letting you go anytime soon.
Genre: soulmate au, bts au, idol bts, polyamory relationship, eventual smut
Paring: Idol!BTS x autistic!mc
Status: Ongoing (randomly updated)
Warnings: mental illness, talk of disability, lots of angst, miscommunication, feelings of depression, feelings of isolation, polyamory bts, stalking, dangerous behavior, eventual smut,
Chapter Warnings: some anxious feelings, some bonding, sensory issues with touch, feelings of being a part of something, issues with textures, soft yoongi, observant yoongi, protective bangtan, bts love to spoil mc, not much
Taglist: @azazel-nyx​​  @yuzon3​​ @hannahdinse8​​ @quirkybtsarmy​​ @mageprincess7​​  @fluffy-canada-pancakes​​ @suckerforv​​ @chaoticthingpizza​​ @drissteele​​ @carolinexkpop​​ @avadakadabra93​​ @lachimolala22019​​  @justaweird0​​ @singukieee​​  @welcometomyworld13​​ @toughbook​​ @kimana122​​ @kpopmultistantrashsstuff​​ @0funsite0​ 
Beta Reader: @crushedblackroses 
Masterlist // Chapter 3 // Chapter 5
————————————————–
Previously on The Line Between Love and War:
Jungkook takes the initiative, moving slowly as he unwraps you from Jimin, a couple little grunts and breaths leaving your lips as he pulls you into his arms. He sighs a little when you wrap an arm around his neck, resting your head back down onto his chest.
He moves slowly, not wanting to chance waking you up as he moves down the small hallway, opening the door to see Yoongi had already snuck his way into the room and had pulled back the covers to the bed. Jin moved behind Jungkook, moving around the room and getting into his own pajamas.
“Put her in the middle.” Yoongi grunts out, sleep already peeking out of the edges of his vision. Jungkook, again, moves slowly and carefully, adjusting his leg on the bed so he could place you into the middle of the bed.
Yoongi immediately moves to adjust next to you, placing his left arm around your middle as you too, move. You turn onto your side and nuzzle into his embrace. Yoongi lips turn up a little, happy at the subconscious display of trust.
Jin climbs into bed without a second thought after changing, not a thought in his head as he presses himself against your back, and not a single word moving through his mind as he sighs into your neck, his body succumbing to sleep as he clings to his last soulmate, finally in his arms.
Over the next two days, the boys had several interviews and talk show performances filmed. You had gone along to every single one, sitting in the background and watching as your soulmates do what they do best.
They were amazing.
Today the boys had a free day before a week of rehearsals and final outfit fittings. There were also a couple special interviews scheduled for the next week, as well as attending the AMA’s. They would be busy next week, especially the weekend, so this was really their last free day, and they all wanted to spend it with you.
You were sitting on the couch, Jungkook sitting behind you with you in between his legs, leaning against his chest as the others try and decide what to do today. You kind of just wanted to relax in the hotel room, maybe eat some food and just hang out. You have been on the go with them since you met, and you would be on the go with them for the next however-long.
Jungkook was thinking the same way, just wanting to cuddle with you and maybe continue the movie marathon you never got to finish. He would never admit it, but he was tired. His body was exhausted from all of the dancing and work they had to do with little to no sleep. But when he was with his mates, his now completed soul bond, he seemed to become rejuvenated with energy. Like he could do anything.
“Do you think if we remain quiet and sneak off we can just watch our movie marathon in the room?” Jungkook whispered in your ear, the shiver creeping down your neck at his tone had you tightening your grip on his arm.
You would go along with whatever they wanted, just appreciating the work they do and loving how free they seemed to be. You felt calm and relaxed with them, and was content with the feeling of peace as Jungkook held you in his arms.
“I don’t think so…” You replied back just as Taehyung gestured to you.
“Our little soulmate doesn’t have enough clothes for our stay here. We need to get her some clothes and other necessities, like suitcases. How else is she going to get to Korea with us?” Taehyung had a point. You only had like three outfits on you, your little duffle bag only having extra room for the souvenirs you wanted to buy. You weren’t exactly planning on finding your soulmates and moving out of the country with them after their concerts were done.
“We also need to get a passport for her, she can’t travel home without one.” Jimin spoke up, seeming to agree with Taehyung, a light pout on his lips as they both look up to Namjoon, who was a little against an outing right now.
Namjoon was worried how you would react in a shopping mall after the announcement was posted. It had been three days since and the entire world was in a buzz, trying to figure out everything they could about you. Your social media accounts were being heavily scrutinized and investigated for any crumb they could get. He didn’t know what could happen and wanted to wait until things died down.
A hand on his shoulder brought him out of his own stupor.
“You know it won’t go away. She is the soulmate to the biggest idol group in the world. We will be there for her.” Jin spoke softly, knowing just what kind of thoughts were going through his introspective mate’s head.
Namjoon tended to get stuck in his head sometimes, his jaw tightening and his eyes gazing into space. He overthought every possible aspect of any situation, trying his best to think of the best outcome possible. His love poured into every action and decision he made regarding his mates, and you were no exception.
“Why don’t we ask Y/n what she would like to do.” Yoongi spoke up from his spot next to you and Jungkook, his hand holding the one not holding onto Jungkook’s forearm.
You looked up like a deer in headlights, all seven looking at you for your opinion. However, you weren’t really listening in, only catching snippets of their conversation.
“Baby,” Taehyung starts, moving forward a little so he stood in front of you. “Jiminie and I would like to take you shopping to get some clothes and things for your stay with us. We know you only brought a couple changes of clothes and you need some suitcases and travel items.” He pauses, watching as you nod your head in understanding before continuing.
“This way, you get to try on some of the clothes and pick out what you would like,” They all look at you in one of Namjoon’s shirts, the same one you wore to bed and woke up in after stealing it from the first suitcase you saw. You blushed a little at their insinuation, knowing they would still prefer you to wear their clothes but knew you needed your own.
“And we get to spoil you like we want to.” He finishes sheepishly. “What do you think?” You take in his words and remember what Jimin added on before you were brought into the conversation. You know you need more items for your extended stay, not foreseeing this outcome in your cards, and you liked that you would be able to get to pick out your clothes. You were particular about texture and could only wear few fabrics.
“Well, I do not need a passport, I already have one, it’s in my backpack.” You answer Jimin’s sentence first before moving on. “I think that would be a good idea though. I can’t continue to steal your clothes, despite your insistence.” Jungkook groaned a little from behind you, loving the sight of you in their clothes more than the others.
“Alright, that’s settled then!” Jin clapped his hands, moving past a jumping Taehyung who couldn’t help but be happy that you chose to go along with his idea. They all wanted to spoil you, having thought about it since finding out about their missing soulmate, but Taehyung was particularly excited.
“Why don’t we all go get dressed and then we will figure out security.” Jin pushed past everyone, moving to take you from a pouting Jungkook and bring you into the room you were staying in with Jin and Yoongi. “I’m going to dress our beautiful little soulmate!” Jin yelled out as he walked with you down the hallway, the living room erupting into chaos.
“It’s my turn now. They can argue all they want.” Jin whispered in your ear, letting out a laugh as he closed the door behind you and walked to his part of the dresser.
You moved towards your own drawer, the one that Yoongi placed your clothes in when you had woken up the first day. It was November in Los Angeles, so it was still going to be a relatively nice day, but you still felt more comfortable in leggings so you grabbed one of your pairs before looking for a shirt to wear. Before you could move your shirts around in the drawer you felt a shirt being thrown over your head.
“Wear this one, baby!” Jin’s happy voice sounds from somewhere to your right, a knock on the door happening as he speaks.
“Who is it?” Jin questions, not moving from his spot. You rip the shirt off the top of your head to look at it only to find a dark navy t-shirt with a small front pocket. You swear you’ve seen a picture of him wearing this, which is not going to be suspicious at all to any army who happens to witness you all at the mall today.
“It’s me, hyung.” Yoongi’s voice rings through the door causing Jin to raise his eyebrow.
“Is it just you?” Jin asks. You can hear some whines and pushes against the door reminding you of Jimin in that one vlive with Namjoon.
“Yes.” Was Yoongi’s only reply but you both knew it was Jimin and Taehyung on the other side of the door with him.
Jin looked at you, a quirk to his eyebrow as he moves over to the door, pulling to open quickly before yanking Yoongi into the room before shutting the door in the boys’ face, ignoring their pouts.
“Aww c’mon Jin Hyung! We just wanna help Y/n-ie get dressed!” Jimin shouts from the other side of the closed door, causing Yoongi to let out a gruff laugh at his younger soulmate’s words.
“I’m pretty sure Y/n doesn’t need help getting dressed.” Jin yelled back, causing the two to groan, Namjoon now pushing them away from your door to their own rooms while Jin brings you into the bathroom in your shared room to change.
“Please let me know if you don’t like the shirt, I have plenty more you can wear.” He sends you a wink before closing the door behind him.
Taking a look at his shirt in your hands, you slowly take off the one you were wearing before putting your bra on and slipping Jin’s shirt over your head. You almost immediately shivered at the feeling of the cloth. It felt nice against your skin and didn’t make you itch. It looked big on you, making you feel wrapped up by him. It also smelled like him, giving you a small sense of security.
After putting your new pair of leggings on, you walked back out only to see your two soulmates shirtless. You couldn’t help but to blush a little before moving to the little dirty clothes pile the boys had going and putting your clothes on it. Namjoon had told you that Jungkook was going to do laundry tomorrow morning, before everyone had to go to their dress fitting.
You ended up moving around the two getting dressed and adding the other dirty clothes into the pile, practically placing all of the clothing you brought on top. It was good they were taking you shopping, you really needed clothes.
“Baby you don’t need to do that.” Yoongi had poked his head through his shirt when he saw you picking up their things.
“No, it’s okay. I wanted to help.” You smile at him, while nodding your head, hoping he doesn’t see how anxious you are about shopping.
Shopping has always made you anxious. The noise, the people, the different shelves full of different items. It was overwhelming at best. You still hadn’t found the best way to last longer than a couple hours in a store, nothing you’ve tried worked and you didn’t have the money to really afford a pair of good active noise canceling headphones that worked well enough for you and your sensory needs.
When you all were finished getting ready, you were waiting on the couch why Namjoon talked to security, who were talking to the mall and informing them about your visit. You had your small backpack on your lap, your knee bouncing as you check its contents for everything you thought you would need.
You were quiet, not feeling the need to talk as you watched the others bounce around and get their own bags/items ready. Yoongi was sitting next to you, his arm resting on the couch behind you. He was playing with the ends of your hair, moving his fingers through it and admiring how soft it was.
He had decided on his own that he would be your buddy today. He thought, based off his experiences vision shifting, that you needed someone calm and observant with you. You needed someone who could ground you, and when the time came, he would make the others aware of what worked so they could help you as well. This was your first time out and about with them, and he wanted it to go as smooth as possible. He felt that you needed him in this moment. And he would be there for you.
-*-*-
You took three separate cars to the mall, Jimin and Taehyung in the car with you. They pouted their way into taking Hobi and Namjoon’s spot, which meant they were giggling the entire car ride, snapping selfies and having you take some with them.
One in particular, Taehyung and Jimin both kissing your cheek as you closed your eyes in surprise, became the two’s new lock screen. They sent a couple of pictures into the group chat but decided to keep that one for themselves.
When you met outside of the car, with a team of security coming out of their own vehicle, you were surrounded by both Jungkook and Yoongi, their hands taking ownership of your own. You were bouncing on your feet as you waited for the security team to say it was okay to go.
“Don’t worry. We will be by your side the entire time, okay?” Jungkook leaned over to you, checking on you and reassuring you that you weren’t alone. His words were accompanied by a kiss to your temple and a squeeze of your hand.
You could feel your heartrate slowing down just by the feeling of their hands in yours. Your muscles were relaxing and you were yet again amazed by the soulmate bond. You remember reading about this type of thing years ago but it was different to actually experience it first-hand.
“Okay.” You manage to whisper back, appreciating the reassurance from the two soulmates.
Your quiet time was interrupted by the head member of security, who signaled that it was okay to go now. The plan was that some of the stores would be closed off, a couple at a time, and since it was supposed to be a slow day at the mall, there would be less crowds as well.
It seems like a perfect day to do this, you thought.
The boys all had their own ideas of different shops they wished to go to, Hobi had researched one of the stores and had found a couple things he had wanted to give his family when they came in the following week for the concerts. He was beyond excited and happy that his family was coming.
He had talked to them on Facetime, introducing you. He wanted to show off his final soulmate, and you were happy to oblige. His parents were absolutely adorable and had become very proud and excited when they realized you could speak Korean. His mother had even begun to his father’s shoulder in excitement once you introduced yourself.  
You enjoyed talking with them, even taking the phone from Hobi, who had no issue with it. He couldn’t help but to watch you, giggling and talking about everything with his mother. He could even hear his sister in the background, trying to talk over his parents causing some chaotic moments. He would only speak when you needed help with some translations, but even then his mother was beyond happy she could talk with you.
When the other boys found out, they too had called their families to introduce you. It was an entire evening of trying to stay awake as you met their families over Facetime. You loved every second of it though. Jungkook’s mom had even made you tear up a little.
“We are happy to have a daughter now.”
You hadn’t felt like you had a family in a long time. Not a real one anyways. Not one that you had admired on television or movies, where the family ate meals together, or talked about their days without fighting. Where the siblings messed with each other in good fun, maybe some real fights but not ones where you didn’t see a sibling in years or where you ended up in the hospital after being pushed from a window.
You felt loved, and even more so when you fell asleep in the arms of Jin and Yoongi, your tears wiped away by Jin as he held you close.
“What store would you like to look at first?” Yoongi’s voice was soft and calm when he spoke, lip quirking up a little as he watched the others disperse when you reached the first set of stores.
There were three stores lined up to visit first, each one selling different types of clothing. You were clueless on how to differentiate, not recognizing the names so you just did eenie-meenie-minee-mo and ended up picking the one on the right.
Yoongi held your hand as he walked with you towards the store, Jungkook already skipping inside after seeing a short he thought you would like. He found himself smiling at you, noticing the way your own lips quirked up at the sight of a skipping Jungkook. Yoongi loved your smile, the way your lips moved and your cheeks moved up.
He watched as you looked around at the array of different clothes, sometimes reaching your hand out before pulling it back in before you could actually touch any of the clothing. Your eyes wondered over the shirts, sometimes stopping in front of them and other times making a quick glance before moving on, tugging him along.
After maybe twenty minutes, you found a shirt you really liked. It looked nice and was a simple black t-shirt. It looked a little nicer than the ones you brought and you figured you could pair it nicely with a pair of soft jeans.
“Please be cotton.” You whispered under your breath, hoping that the cloth was the one you could wear. Cotton t-shirts were the simplest ones you could wear, no itching on your skin, no unnecessary stretching or odd lines of fabric from movement.
Yoongi heard the sigh as you looked at the label tag on the shirt, placing the shirt back down on the table before taking his hand again. You tried to move away but he held your hand in place. Jungkook had come over as well, noticing that this was the first shirt you had picked up since walking in and he wanted to know why you ended up putting it back.
“What’s wrong, baby?” Yoongi squeezed your hand, he could see you becoming frustrated, your hand squeezing his own every couple seconds.
“I just…it’s not cotton.” You didn’t like clothes shopping for a reason. Not really but you usually had to work your courage up to going shopping for new clothes. Would take the time to go to your favorite shops where you knew exactly what types of clothes and fabric were there.
“What’s not cotton? The shirt?” Jungkook asks, looking to Yoongi who nodded at the shirt you had put down. “Do you not like other kinds of fabric, baby? Is that it?” Jungkook asks again, this time earning a nod from you, a small pout to your lips.
You couldn’t help but feel bad that you were “picky” when it came to clothing. You hated that polyester made your itchy or that linen seemed to make different folds that bothered you and had you pulling at your shirt all day. But you couldn’t help it.
“It’s uh, it’s okay. I can handle it.” You lied, not wanting to cause any problems when they are choosing to take you shopping on their only full free day for a week.
“Don’t, baby. If you want cotton shirts, then that is what we will find.” Jungkook puts his foot down, literally, stomping it a little into the floor causing you and Yoongi to both widen your eyes and let out the slightest of smiles.
Jungkook sends out a message to the group chat, letting them know what’s going on and your preference for cotton shirts. He doesn’t wait for a reply before grabbing your hand and taking you from the store, knowing you needed a fresh head and a new store before you could look for some clothes.
“Let’s go Y/n!” He pulls you along, not seeing the look of “help” you send Yoongi over your shoulder, only receiving a smirk and a nod in reply.
When you entered the other store, the others were there, waiting inside the entrance with excitement on their cheeks. You were a little surprised, thinking they had all gone their separate ways to do their own shopping.
“Hi baby! We found you some nice shirts we thought you would like!” Hobi’s eyes sparkled with delight at the thought of being able to pick out clothes for you. He even found some matching outfits for you and him to wear.
You noticed they were all holding shirts in their hands, Jimin and Namjoon even holding a couple pairs of leggings within their grasp.
You wanted to cry. You thought they would become annoyed with you or upset that you couldn’t find anything. Instead, you were met with wonderful soulmates who had no issue with your specific need for cotton clothing. A little sniffle had Taehyung handing his options to Jimin, coming to wrap you in a hug.
Taehyung could tell you were feeling a little overwhelmed, but the good kind. He kissed the side of your head, his hand resting on the back of your head as he pulled you into his chest.
“You are doing good.” Another kiss to your temple.
“Why don’t we get your approval on these clothes before we get a dressing room, hmm?” A nod from you had Taehyung pulling away a little, his hand locked firmly in yours as he brings you over to the rest of your cluster.
-*-*-
You had gotten around four bags of new clothes and another two of things you needed, well, things the boys had picked out for you that you couldn’t say no to. Jin had helped you pick out a set of luggage, a nice soft blue that you planned on decorating with stickers. Jimin had helped you to pick out a backpack, one for travel. They each had one that had some extra clothes in it and whatever else they might need for a couple of days.
You got some coloring books and colored pencils, the good ones that twist up to reveal more because you hated having to sharpen them all the time. Jimin also helped you sneak in some candy bars. 
Your favorite book and a notebook were given to you by Namjoon, who also got you a set of pens that Hobi told him you favored. You planned on putting your laptop in the backpack as well, as well as a charger for it and your phone.
You were currently back at the hotel, putting together your luggage and backpack, giddy with excitement as you loved organizing and getting new things. Jimin and Taehyung were helping you, folding your clothes and helping you place them into the larger suitcase.
Jin was confused as to why you were packing your clothes, but you were just excited to have your first pair of luggage, even more excited to put your new backpack together. Jimin was proud that you liked the backpack he picked out, the color matching your luggage and he had it customized in store, your first name and “Bangtan” sewn into the front. 
You agreed that you didn’t want your real last name on it, and when Jimin suggested Bangtan, you figured that it would be good, showing that you belonged.
It took you an hour to fit everything you wanted nicely within your backpack. Repacking it and repacking it until you thought it was perfect.
“It looks good, baby! You can take that with you when you go with us to our schedules!” Jungkook walked into the living room, a new outfit on him causing you to do a double take. He was wearing a cheetah patterned sweatshirt and sweatpants. He looked comfy but also ready to go out somewhere.
“Thank you! Are uh, are you going somewhere?” You looked over to where Hobi was now coming into the room, his own outfit changed into a blazer and jeans. He looked nice and you couldn’t help but to glance between your two mates, wondering where they were going dressed so…amazing.
“We are going to the Harry Styles concert tonight. We have an extra ticket if you would like to go with us? Jin decided he didn’t want to go with us.” Hobi answered you, turning to Jimin and Taehyung who were still sat with you to tell them to go get ready.
“Oh uh, I don’t know. I’ve never been to a concert before. I don’t know how I would do.” Jungkook stops what he was doing, turning to look at you as you now fiddle with your backpack strap.
“You’ve never been to a concert before, baby?”
“No. I actually had tickets to your Map of The Soul tour, for the day after my birthday actually. It would have been my first concert; I even had front row seats for it, but it got canceled. I tried to get tickets for the ones next week, but I couldn’t.” Your response had all of them listening in.
Yoongi, though, couldn’t help but see this as a trial run for you attending their own concerts the following weeks. He had actually spent an hour while you were with the others consulting with an employee at a tech store trying to figure out the quality of the noise cancelling headphones, buying the best ones on the market for you to try.
Yoongi had known since this morning that Jin wasn’t going to end up going, and they both figured that this would be a good opportunity for you. Picking up the git bag from where he placed it, he walked over to you and put it on the table in front of you.
“I got these for you. I know how loud noises bother you so I figured these would help. Maybe you could try them out at the concert?” Yoongi talked as slowly opened the gift bag and wrapping to see a pair of over the hear headphones. They looked nice and you could tell that the earpieces would be comfy on your ears.
“Thank you, Yoongi.” Your voice was calm as you chewed on your bottom lip, thinking if you should go with them or not. You wanted to, wanted to go and have this new experience with your soulmates. You had liked Harry Styles, loving him in One Direction and liked some of his solo music. You knew you would have them with you while there and felt comfortable now that you might have some headphones that would help with your sensory issues.
“So, baby? Do you wanna go with them?” Namjoon’s voice breaks through your thoughts, making you look up from your gift and to the maknae line and their leader, who all looked at you with pleading looks and hands locked in front of their chests.
“Yeah. I’ll go.”
Next Chapter 
405 notes · View notes
dearmrsawyer · 2 years
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I have lived through the most wonderful exquisitely joyful weekend and got to see Louis twice at long last!!! I didn't want to express my excitement in the lead up because i was so petrified that i would catch covid like a week before and be unable to go, but god really had his hand on me and delivered me from 2 VERY close calls in the 2 weeks leading up to the shows lol. 2 weekends prior my brother's girlfriend caught covid the day he was with her, but the infection was obviously so fresh that she didn't transfer it to him. and then the following Wednesday our boss at work sent an email saying she was happy for us to join meetings virtually since cases were on the rise, and it was just in time because on Thursday we had a staff meeting, and on Saturday someone who was in the meeting room tested positive LIKE. god was really like if this girl does not get to go to these concerts she is going to unravel like a ball of frayed yarn lol
but ANYWAY it was the most amazing, amazing weekend, both nights were so fulfilling and just.. i felt pure happiness. louis was so BRIGHT and i got to share a room with him and lots of other very excited people, i just had the best best time. highlights from memory:
i've said before that i think it was so galaxy brain of him to open the show with 'we made it', especially in the context of all the rescheduling, and i was so excited to finally get to scream it out when he came on stage and the moment lived up to it!! i couldn't even hear louis for the first few lines of the song because the crowd was singing SO loud lol, it felt like a moment of such release for everyone there, it was really cool
on night 1 he walked out in that bright yellow shirt like a BEACON!! i always call him my sunshine and he is!! he was literally the louis that lives in my mind right there on stage. and on night 2 it was a very classic louis look in one of his 4000 burberry shirts lol, a comforting and familiar presence <3
can't express... just cannot express how happy i was during through the dark, i felt like it was visibly radiating out of me. its one of my favourite songs ever and my fav 1d song. it captures a specifically positive energy that i am so drawn to, and that i've coincidentally always associated with louis. i can't even explain how the room felt during that song, it was joy! i took a moment on night one to capture a snippet of it for myself to hold onto forever. the absolute respect louis has for me specifically to tour this song and let ME watch HIM sing it, that song both nights was genuinely one of the highlights of my entire life
don't let it break your heart was another one of the standout songs for me, one of my favourite louis songs!! maybe for me the one that i feel most represents louis, and i felt like it was a favourite for a lot of other people there as well, which took me by surprise! but i love that song soo much and it was so good live :)
wow seeing his smile in person...... sunshine
his stage presence!! he's become such a playful presence on stage, its so him, he is so interactive while he's singing. he doesn't do a lot of chatting between songs and i realised he likes to do the bulk of his playing as he sings lol. he's been like that all tour but i didn't realise it until my shows, i wonder if that's a comfort he built during 1d that he's deliberately exercised as a solo artist and made a key part of his performance
coacoa was soooo amazing live, and he sang changes which i LOVE. got lt2 is going to be so good
getting to point at louis with 5000 other people and shout "you were my because" 10/10 experience could not have enjoyed that more if i tried
oh the snuts were really good! i hadn't investigated them at all and wanted to hear them for the first time live (i feel like that's such a great way to be introduced to music) and their set was literally just jam after jam, i'm excited to dig into their music properly
i didn't even realise until i was on the way to the show on night 2 that it was the 1d anniversary! the crowd sang happy bday to 1d during the break before the encore 😂 honestly singing the 1d songs on night 2 felt so celebratory, what a cool experience to get to sing them with louis on such an important day
omg also on night 2 i was toward the side of the pit and saw little bentley with his sign ready for the show 😭 pre show our whole side of the crowd was cheering every time he lifted his sign, i found a short video here of it, we did this for like 30 minutes dskjlgkdfl it was v cute. i didn't even know they were from australia!
i completely lost my voice by the end of night 1 and couldn't speak the whole way home rofl, thankfully it came back the next morning ready for night 2. ugh it was just!!!!!! 🎇🎇🎇 this year has been.. quite horrible and this was so refilling. I have a week off work now because i was originally going to go to the Melbourne shows, but decided it was best not to take the extra risk, so instead this week is all mine to reminisce.
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dr4kenlvr · 3 years
Text
MY BABY’S AN ID♡L !! (2)
pairing: hakkai shiba, kakucho hitto, izana kurokawa x fem!reader
genre: fluff
request: Heyyy i love your account sm, may i request one with the tr boy and their s/o is from a girlgroup and is the main vocalist (yk like they can hit high notes smth) i rlly loved the main rapper one 🙈🙈
a/n: thanks for requesting! and for the freedom in choice of characters! im v happy you enjoyed my rapper one (pt 2 coming soon shh..). ps. the difference between how i write kakucho and hakkai is killing me help
part 1 / part 3
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HAKKAI:
he is.. going insane
he wants hesitates to put you as his lockscreen because it's mitsuya- but in the end he does it because mitsuya yelled at him
"why would you choose me over your own girlfriend??"
"i don't know taka-chan, stop yelling please!!"
anyways, like i said, he is going insane
because he thinks you're so hot and cute and- just everything good
watches your live shows and squeals when you hit that perfect note, or bust out that powerful voice
"WAHH!!! Y/N IS SO COOL!!"
often caught listening to your solo tracks, especially when you're busy and can't be with him as often
can not dance for his life but he knows that one move from that one verse of yours LMAOOO
yuzuha secretly films him dancing to your songs and sends them to you LMAOOO
"wHY YUZUHA!"
buys your albums, and if he pulls ur photocard, you better believe he's putting that shit at the back of his phone HELPPPP
sends you photos of himself with kissy faces and it's captioned with "good luck today!" or "drinks lots of water <3" or "miss you baby"
he's such a dork, but that's his best trait <3
KAKUCHO:
kakucho is really happy for you, to get out there and live your dream the way he's always wished you could
i dont really see kakucho as someone who listens to music that much, but that doesn't mean he doesn't support you and your group
he softly smiles at your group's instagram, eyes twinkling when he sees your bright smile, holding your groups award with such happiness
he makes sure to comment on each and every post, giggling when you heart it
when he does listen to your songs (usually at night, while he's trying to sleep), the moment your voice spills through the quiet volume of his earphones, he can't help but feel his heart beat quicken
he gets really flustered at the effect you have on him
when he gets to see you in person, he's reserved and quiet until you're both behind closed doors
constant kisses peppered all over you and he'll have you in his arms all night
makes up for lost time by binging your guy's fav shows, pigging out on food and just simply being in one another's presense
gahh he loves you so much
IZANA:
him.
god- he's so- he's very much in love with you
gets super giddy when he watches your videos, whether that's concert clips, music videos, interview clips, insta stories, anything!!
and he is extremely impressed at your talent!! your voice control is everything, it's so breathtaking to him
izana's super attentive to your health, and ensures you're well rested days prior before any sort of event
he really misses you when you're gone
he has you set as his home and lockscreen, and constantly catches himself longing for a text from you
but he knows you're busy- and that's okay! he wants you to do well in your career <3
he'll send you little photos of himself and the crew- while you send pics of you and your group- just updating each other on your lives while you're so far apart
he has a folder in his gallery under your name and it's filled LMAO
izana is so so proud of your group when you get your first win, he knows how much you've been dreaming and working hard for this very moment
your huge smile has him fawning on the other side of the world
but nothing will break the connection you two have, not distance, not anything <3
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taglist: @dai-tsukki-desu @faetarou (message or send an ask to be added)
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Music for the Soul
Summary: Soulmate AU where the song your soulmate is thinking of gets stuck in your head. 
This fic is inspired by and gifted to @yellowpaintpots.
Notes:  canonical, this is S2 E6 and a little beyond but it’s not exactly like the show obviously.
AO3
Kurt Hummel was used to not fitting in. At McKinley High, he was often an odd man out. He did partner projects alone, he held his tongue around bullies and had no one to complain to, and most days, he had an entire lunch table to himself. No one sat with the kid in weird, homemade clothes unless there was no other choice. 
What kept him going was music. He had one earbud in as he walked down the halls. Choosing from playlists his mother used to listen to, Broadway soundtracks sung by people still performing on stage today, and to the thrill of his father, rock classics. If Burt Hummel had passed anything onto his son, it was his music tastes and the fantastical idea of soulmates. 
The image of a white knight coming to save him by serenade was one that haunted him before he fell asleep. A boy, which little eleven-year-old Kurt held close to his heart, picked out by the universe meant just for him. Even when he started to find the fantasy a little too cheesy, it kept Kurt going until he found the glee club.
No one could touch him or change him because there was someone out there who would love him exactly the way he was. 
The New Directions were a hot mess when they started, of course. The 5 of them weren’t winning any competitions when they first found themselves in the choir room but they were five misfits who finally had friends. People who understood the passion of music and an adult who shared that same passion and would hopefully guide them to their dream futures. 
Just months later, they became a mixture of a dozen sophomores and freshmen with a Sectionals win under their belt all ready to face the Dalton Academy Warblers in a few weeks. With Regionals looming over them, glee had become much messier than usual. With plenty of in-fighting about solos and song choices, the choir room was always a jumbled, loud mess. That is until Mr. Schue came up with the idea for a school musical. It was taking their minds off of Regionals for the time being.
Kurt was all too happy to be auditioning for a role instead of sitting in the back row wishing he had a shot at a solo. His voice was too unique for Ohio. But someday, he knew, it would get him to Broadway. He held that thought close to his heart while tuning out Rachel’s insistence bickering.  
Yesterday, Mr. Schue had decided their school musical was going to the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Kurt loved cult classics as much as the next person but he wasn’t sure how Mr. Schue had gotten this approved by Figgins. It seemed too risqué for high schoolers. 
He only hoped whoever his soulmate was enjoying the soundtrack he had stuck in his head this week. 
Kurt planned on auditioning for Riff Raff. Already putting mental outfits from his closet to wear. The wound of Mr. Schue assuming he’d play Frank N. Furter based solely on the fact that he was gay was still fresh but his audition was going to blow everyone away. 
He had chosen “Dammit Janet” for his audition despite it being a Brad and Janet duet. Quinn, who was hoping for Magenta, was going to be his partner. They had joked about the main roles already being off the table before auditions; it was clear Mr. Schue had chosen Finn and Rachel for the leads. It was hard to be upset when Quinn had instantly offered to do a joint audition with him. Their voices went so well together and Kurt liked spending time with her. 
Ever since Kurt and Mercedes had their stint as Cheerios, they had gotten closer. The three of them even had a weekend sleepover this past Saturday. Mercedes had dumped the Cheerios but Kurt stayed on and Quinn had just gotten back on the squad after her dismissal last year. Coach Sue had them sing during practice last week and Quinn was waiting for him after their showers with the suggestion of a double audition song. 
They had been having rehearsals in the auditorium during their shared free period and twice after glee club on days when it wasn’t already reserved. As the day came closer, Quinn offered her house to practice in since her parents were rarely home and so Finn wouldn’t become Rachel's spy. Though, Kurt assured her Finn was much too engrossed in video games to bother with their rehearsals. 
Since they increased their run-throughs, Kurt’s had one song in his head all morning. In case the lyrics weren’t already ingrained into his head, he had his own little concert in his head. Just after lunch, that changed. A mere 3 hours until his audition after school his soulmate’s music had taken root. As much as Kurt was willing to bow down to the queens of pop, what he wouldn’t give for 5 minutes of something other than Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream”. This bubble gum pop song had gone from ‘oh, that’s a good song to scream in the car’ to ‘if I hear it one more time, I’ll rip my ears off’ fairly quickly. 
It hadn’t helped that his brain went from one song on repeat to another. 
As he sits in geometry, he tries to hear Mr. Finnegan’s explanation of arcs but his brain has other plans. 
Let you put your hands on me in my skin tight jeans. 
Kurt knows it’s just a song but the image is so clear in his head. 
Smooth, soft skin. Obviously, someone who used lotions regularly, Kurt expected nothing less from his soulmate. Neatly trimmed fingernails so they wouldn’t catch on Kurt’s pants when fingers trailed up to cup his knee. The grip would be teasingly light. He never let his fantasies get too far. Especially outside the privacy of his bedroom. In all honesty, even when he was alone in his bed at night envisioning the same kind of scenario, Kurt didn’t really know what came next. He wasn’t even sure what kissing really entailed. 
What if his soulmate is ready for...certain things...Kurt’s not even to verbalize yet. What if he’s imagining their first meeting very differently then Kurt, who’s hopeful they’ll have coffee or a meal together before they do anything besides maybe hand-holding. The touch of the fingertips is as sexy as it gets, unless you ask Katy Perry it seems. 
He spends the rest of math wondering what the boy with Katy Perry in his head must look like. Kurt wonders if his soulmate wears bright colors like his idol or maybe Katy is a secret shame that he’ll only share with Kurt. 
Blaine liked fitting in. He enjoyed the uniform for many reasons. One, he thought the blazer looked stylish. It was also nice knowing what you had to wear every day, one less thing to worry about people judging you for. Plenty of people at his old school picked on him for his bow ties but at Dalton, everyone had neckwear. The standard blue and red striped tie. He liked how neat it was; there was a certain way to wear said uniform. 
Everyone was the same here. No typical hierarchy of jocks and cheerleaders. Only the Warblers stood out simply because everyone knew them. 
How could you forget a group of boys singing acapella at all hours of the day?
 Blaine might joke that they’re teenage rockstars but really they are just a group of talented guys who liked to sing. 
The Warblers were the first real friends he ever had. 
When he was still attending public school he held tightly to the idea of his soulmate since it seemed hopeless to wish for friendship. Not when he was being harassed for a sexuality he wasn’t sure of yet and being pushed to the ground in the parking lot for it. 
But a soulmate was a guarantee. Everyone had one. By the time Blaine reached eighth grade, he knew. All of those middle school bullies had used words Blaine didn’t quite understand until that moment. 
He was surrounded in the parking lot after school having missed his bus because someone had stuck gum in his curls during last period. That was the day Blaine started to seriously consider investing in some gel. Maybe that would prevent some bullying. Anyway, he was surrounded, being literally kicked around by a group of soccer players and friends. 
Other students had gathered to watch the so-called fight but Blaine thought their chants would only grab the attention of a teacher or so he hoped. No one came quickly. He had enough injuries by the end for his mom to insist on a trip to the ER. A big black eye and sprained his wrist along with plenty of bruising on his limbs. 
But he honestly didn’t remember getting hurt beyond the initial pushing to the ground. When the bullying got bad like this he pulled out those daydreams. This time around it wasn’t this blurry image of hand holding, there was a boy. Blaine hadn’t seen his face but his voice was soft and comforting, inviting Blaine in. There was an outstretched hand just out of reach for Blaine to take. Blaine knew then. His soulmate was a boy. 
When everything was over and he was being released by the doctor, all he knew was there was some boy built perfectly for Blaine just waiting to be found. Waiting for him. 
He hadn’t even been upset by his injuries because he was sitting with these thoughts of ‘how do I come out to my parents?’ 
Instead of deciding that day, he kept those daydreams close to his heart for the next year and a half. Until the issue of high school came out and Blaine didn’t want to go back to public school. To his surprise, both of his parents took it well. They were more concerned for his safety than his sexuality. Together, they decided on Dalton. A private school with a zero tolerance policy for bullies. That was that. 
He still had his doubts at Dalton. Was he really good enough to be a lead soloist let alone go onto Broadway someday? Could he make it out of Ohio? In those moments, Blaine still came back to his soulmate. Someone, no matter what came, Blaine would have by his side. 
When he imagined his soulmate, Blaine could never truly figure out what he’d look like. All he saw was that outstretched hand. Usually, people could draw up a picture in their heads based on the music they heard. 
For Blaine, the genre of music didn’t help. His soulmate was clearly someone with mixed taste. 
Today’s selection was...a musical. Blaine wasn’t familiar with the characters Brad and Janet but he had looked it up at lunch. Some kind of cult classic people went to see in the weeks leading up to Halloween. It was October so it made sense for the soundtrack to be stuck in his soulmate’s head. Blaine wondered if he had gone to see it, wondered who he saw it with. 
The Warblers thought he was crazy. Imagining that his soulmate was off with some other person. It was rare to date seriously before meeting a soulmate but Blaine always told them the same story of his parents. Both of them had been in very serious relationships before they met. Hell, his mother had been engaged. Neither of them thought they’d meet their soulmate, which was also fairly rare but had happened.  
When they met, they didn’t drop everything to be together. The wedding was put on hold but his father hadn’t broken up with his girlfriend right away. His parents wanted to be together only if they agreed with the universe’s choice. 
Blaine knew his dad had been wary of his mother’s music taste. Pam had been deep into her metal phrase in her early twenties. His dad, Robert, was not a fan. He loved classical music. Forever dooming Pam to hum music without lyrics meanwhile Robert was cursed with “nonsense yelling” as he called it. Lucky, both of their music tastes had shifted over the years to have more overlap. Though, Blaine and Cooper had been subjected to dinners with a mixtape of Def Leppard and Bach. 
They got together in the end, which was the important part, but what if they hadn’t chosen each other? What if Blaine’s soulmate was deeply in love with someone else and he’d spend the rest of his days loveless and alone?
When he voiced these thoughts aloud, his friends usually told him what a downer he could be, which tended to shake those fears away. If his parents, different as they were, still fell in love it would happen to him too. It was just a matter of when. 
The next day at lunch, Mercedes was fretting over her soulmate. 
“What if he’s super young, Kurt?” 
“What makes you think that?” He asked, stabbing his salad. 
“He’s got The Backyardigans theme song in his head again,” she sighed. “He got to be like 7. I’m just not comfortable with that.” 
“It’s an age gap for sure,” Kurt agreed, but he’s fairly sure Sam Evans was singing that song after PE today, “or maybe he just has younger siblings. Don’t let your only-childness cloud your judgment.”
She hummed in agreement and pushed her tater tots around. 
It was sort of a hard way to figure out your soulmate unless they were obvious about what music they had playing in their heads.
Some people, like Mr. Schue, we’re pretty obvious. He had been singing in the auditorium when Ms. Pillsbury found him. It was a pretty clear-cut match. As far as Mercedes was concerned, Kurt is sure she’ll overhear Sam’s humming soon enough. 
He doesn’t want to spoil anything for his best friend nor does he want to be wrong. Soulmate meetings only come once in a lifetime. 
Well, the first soulmate meeting that is. 
There are plenty of people, like his dad, who lose a soulmate too soon and are gifted another one later in life. Kurt was so happy when he introduced Burt and Carole at parent-teacher conferences. They had just been listening to the Wicked soundtrack in the car ride over and Carole Hudson did not strike Kurt as the type of person who knew “I’m Not That Girl” by heart. 
“Are you nervous about auditions?” Mercedes asked. “The list goes up today after glee.” 
“Not at all like,” he shrugged, “I think Quinn and I did well.” 
“Oh no, Kurt, we crushed it,” Quinn said, sitting down with her lunch. 
He smiled at her. Quinn went on to compliment Mercedes on her audition, having heard part of it from outside the audition. She would’ve been inside with Kurt to watch but Coach Sue wanted to meet with her head Cheerio about their upcoming competition. From what Quinn had told them via text, Sue was going all out at practice today. 
“She doesn’t want us to be late,” Quinn said. “That list better be up right away.” 
“We should change before glee,” Kurt suggested. 
“Good idea.” 
Once Quinn had sat down the rest of the New Directions filed in. With interlocking pinkies, Santana and Brittany wandered over taking the last two seats available. 
“Cheerios practice is gonna be hell, hope you’re up for the challenge Hummel,” Santana said. 
He shot her a short glare. 
“Kurt always understands the assignment, Santana,” Quinn quipped back. 
Brittany nodded in agreement smiling at Kurt from across the table. She gave him a small wave half hidden by her lunch tray. In return, Kurt waved back just as shyly. 
They had an interesting friendship. Kurt had kissed Brittany before. He was sure it hadn’t phrased Brittany as it had him. After all, she had kissed almost every boy in school. Some kind of record, he thought. 
They sort of dated for like a week when Kurt was trying to convince himself he was straight. When he firmly realized he was kidding no one, not even himself, they broke up. Since then, he and Brittany had remained close. They were both Cheerios and in the glee club, it made sense. 
He was happy to have Brittany in his life, even if that meant Santana by extension came with her. Santana was fine outside of the public eye. If the Unholy Trinity incited Kurt to their sleepovers, Santana was a different person. She put up a front at McKinley, extremely similar to the one Kurt attempted when he dated Brittany. 
Few are privy to why she did this, Quinn and Kurt knew and he was fairly certain Mercedes did as well. She was very perceptive that way. Brittany was Santana’s soulmate. It explained so much about their relationship. Always in sync, completing each other perfectly, a literal better half.
Honestly, it gave Kurt so much hope that everyone’s soulmate was like that. A missing puzzle piece. 
He really hoped his soulmate listened to more than just Teenage Dream because the lyrics were slowly creeping into his everyday language. 
Usually, Kurt found himself hyper-focused in glee club. He got an energy boost just from walking into the choir room. Like a light switch turning on. His focus wasn’t always on whatever lecture Mr. Schue was pursuing, sometimes he watched his fellow glee clubbers (catching himself up on drama just by sideways glances), or mentally mapping out his next performance. 
Today, Kurt wasn’t able to do any of those things. With the soundtrack of Teenage Dream (again) in his head, all he was thinking about was the center of a bulletin board with the cast list for The Rocky Horror Show on it. How far down the list was Riff Raff? How many names came before his?
Someone was snapping in front of his face. Kurt shook himself from his daydream to find Mercedes.
“Boy, wake up!” She said, “cast list is about to go up.” 
Either glee club had gotten shorter or Mr. Schue was putting it up early. 
Blaine didn’t really understand why the Warblers were concerned. Doing an improv performance was not new to them. In fact, Blaine had done three already this school year and he was only a freshman. 
The first one he did had been way back in September, he hadn’t even been an official Warbler yet. Warbler Tradition said: all potential freshman recruits were required to perform again after their auditions with the whole group. It was a solid way to see if they fit in well with the other established Warblers. Blaine fondly remembers vibing along with the older Warblers and fellow potentials to a medley of Pink songs. None of the freshmen had solos but it was still a fun time. 
At the time it seemed like all of Dalton fit into the choir room and surrounding hallways but in reality it was the entire freshman class. Improv performances weren’t something any middle schooler had seen before but the upperclassmen of Dalton knew the Warblers had plenty of improvs to come for the rest of the school year. The first one was special. Just for the newbies. 
Three days after that performance, Blaine had gotten word that he was to be a new Warbler and two months after that he was granted his first solo. Now, he was slowly becoming their go-to soloist for almost every performance for an audience. Blaine had become a vital part of all rehearsals for the most part. He was honored by their commitment to him honestly and he loved to sing however, a week and half of preparations was a tad excessive. Still, he walked his way to rehearsal positive that the council would have at least five points to discuss before they actually started singing. 
He walked into the choir room shaking his shake fondly and smiling at the Warblers already present. 
The council were always first to arrive. Together. Then it was a mixed bag of who followed. Usually Trent was there, punctual as always, and Blaine took the seat between Trent and Jeff. 
The room was mostly full already. 
Nick came in shortly after Blaine and sat across from him immediately asking if there had been a pop quiz in Stanton’s class earlier and was rather relieved to find out Jeremy was a filthy liar, who liked to start trouble. Before Jeremy could get on Blaine’s case about being overly sincere, the meeting began. 
Wes banged his gavel and welcomed everyone before gesturing for David to read off last meeting’s notes. Once the talking portion of the meeting was over, they pushed the furniture aside to make room. 
...
A week later Kurt was happy to have one musical under his belt but thankful the performance run had been short. If you thought the New Directions were dramatic during competition weeks, it was nothing compared to their musical rehearsals. 
Now, Mr. Schue was having the brilliant idea to host a boys vs girls competition. Of course, Kurt hadn’t wanted to work with the boys. They were sure to exclude his musical talents and he doubted he could get them to agree to any of his costume suggestions. 
This was hardly a challenge. It was bland and they had done it already. 
Kurt was sitting in the back of the choir room pouting. Yes, pouting. Full on arms crossed, head down, and bottom lip puffed out. Until, Mr. Schue had an actual brilliant idea, Kurt’s suggestion of course, to spice things up. 
The boys did not appreciate Kurt’s six hours of work putting two posters together. Even with the assignment to bring more feminine qualities into their performance, the boys ignored his input. So, when Puckerman suggested Kurt spy on the Warblers, he was thankful for a reason to leave. He packed up his projects and headed home to change.
When Mr. Schue found out who their competition was, Rachel and Kurt did some googling. He had seen the all-boys school uniform and was fairly sure he could replicate it with clothes he already had. 
He pulled some looks from his closet. Once satisfied he looked up directions to Westerville. 
Dalton was huge. It looked like a museum. How on earth was Kurt going to find their choir room? He hoped there were signs inside or a map. 
As he walked down a spiral staircase much too pretty to be in a school, he decided to just ask for directions. He was going to get lost if he kept walking without help. 
When the boy he stopped turned around, all Kurt could think was ‘I’d love to put my hands all over you.’ Which was a ridiculous thought to have because he didn’t know this boy and where had that even come from? Oh right, Teenage Dream was still playing in his head. Thanks, Katy. 
If only his soulmate knew he was using this song to fantasize about running off into the sunset with another boy. 
Blaine loved being in the spotlight. Wes would say it was because he didn’t get that kind of attention from his parents but that simply wasn’t true. Well, unless Cooper was around; he always pulled focus when it came to their parents. Older sibling privilege, he assumed. 
But he was running late. He stayed behind in class to ask a question which turned into his teacher rambling. Didn’t he know the Warblers had a performance today in the senior commons and Blaine was their lead singer? 
He was checking the time when someone stopped him on the stairs. 
A beautiful boy. Unlike anyone Blaine had ever seen before. He almost missed his name because he was caught up in memorizing his face. 
There was something said about being new, which Blaine doubted since he wasn’t in uniform, and Blaine mentioned a shortcut he knew of. 
It wasn’t really a shortcut. More like the long way to the Senior Commons but less crowded. Everyone was making their way to the Warblers and Blaine wanted as much time alone with Kurt as he could get. 
He wanted Kurt’s full attention. It was no wonder he instantly wanted to show off. Teenage Dream fit his vocals perfectly and Kurt was an excellent audience. In fact, Blaine was set on serenading him. 
He had no way of knowing that exact song had been playing all day long in Kurt Hummel’s mind. 
Afterward, Blaine lost himself in a group hug from the Warblers but Kurt’s beaming smile caught his eye. He pulled Wes and David aside, confirming his own suspicions that Kurt was spying on them first before convincing them to invite Kurt for coffee. 
The four boys sat at a table. Kurt seemed very nervous now. Blaine wasn’t sure if it was because he had been caught or something else was going on. In the end, Blaine thought it best for just him and Kurt to have a conversation. Not at all because he wanted alone time with him. 
This clearly wasn’t the time or place for romance. 
Once they were alone the whole tale seemed to flow out of Kurt: the name calling, locker shoving, his biggest bully. Blaine could relate. 
Sometimes he felt phantom pains in his right leg from Sadie Hawkins. At first, Kurt scoffed when Blaine began sympathizing. If he were Kurt, he might not believe himself. 
Private schoolboy bullied? Blaine sure didn’t look like someone who lacked friends. It was fairly common knowledge that Dalton had a zero tolerance policy for harassment. So, he explained. As brief as he could about his own experience with public school bullies. 
Kurt and he seemed to have more in common than a love for music. 
He doesn't have any plans to see Kurt again though Blaine has plenty of ideas on how they could get together. Coffee at the Lima Bean. Old musicals were playing at the revival theater. Maybe another high school was putting on a play this weekend. All Blaine needed was a good enough message to ask Kurt out. He drafted plenty but none sent. 
After school, Blaine knew Kurt might need an extra push. He was pretty sure classes at McKinley were done for the day. 
He sent a single word. Less second-guessing that way. 
Courage. 
Then, he walked to the library to start writing an essay on Lord of the Flies for English. 
However, he found himself unable to concentrate. Usually after a performance, Blaine had the song stuck in his head for at least a day or two afterward. In addition to humming in the weeks of rehearsals, of course. Instead, Blaine found himself thinking about Start Me Up by the Rolling Stones and oddly Livin’ On a Prayer. Both songs he thought better suited his father or Cooper’s tastes. It was a mashup of the two songs like his soulmate was hearing them simultaneously. 
When he started thinking about his soulmate, there was a clear picture of someone. It didn’t take long for Blaine to bring up those blue eyes and the soft complexion of Kurt Hummel. Which was crazy thinking. He had no idea if Kurt was his soulmate. 
Soulmates tended to be around the same age but just because Kurt was also in high school meant nothing. By that logic anyone at Dalton could be his soulmate too. 
During his brief time with Kurt this week, Blaine heard no music from his mouth. In fact, Blaine had done all the singing. Even with half his brain saying he was nuts to think Kurt was his forever, Blaine couldn’t let the thought go. 
Blaine’s text comes in in the midst of the girls’ performance. A wonderful mashup and excellent costumes. Tina had texted Kurt about the leather jacket idea early this week. He was very proud of how they managed to pull the looks together in such a short time. It was impressive. 
Altogether, Kurt was feeling great. The boys had their rehearsal, apparently their performance was turning into an apology. Kurt wasn’t sure what they had done to Coach Beiste but apparently, she was quitting. He and Blaine were texting periodically now. No one knew it but Kurt was surely developing a huge crush on the Warbler boy. 
Then, he confronted Karofsky. He didn’t want to feel the same regret Blaine did—no one messes with the Hummels. 
It seemed like mere hours but in reality, it was days, Kurt was enrolled at Dalton and saying goodbye to the New Directions. 
He was full on having a Vanessa leaving Troy moment here. Kurt Hummel has got to go his own way. 
God was he nervous to start at a new school. In the middle of the school year too. Being the new kid was going to be hard but not as difficult as staying at McKinley would be. 
When Kurt was greeted by Blaine’s smile outside the office on his first day, it made Kurt relax. At least he already had a friend here. 
It isn’t until they’re walking down the hall together—Blaine insisted on escorting Kurt to his first class—that Kurt noticed Blaine was humming.
“Is that High School Musical?” Kurt asked. 
“Oh, um, technically it’s the sequel.” 
“What about us…” Blaine sang, “what about everything we’ve been through?” 
“What about trust…you know I’ve never wanted to hurt you?” 
Blaine chucked. “Cheesy but true. Such a good movie.” 
“We should watch it sometime,” Kurt suggested. 
Instantly, he wanted to take it back. He’s been told he can come on too strong. Especially around cute boys. 
“I’d love too!” Blaine said. “I have it on DVD.” 
Kurt doesn’t see Blaine again until their one shared class of the day right before lunch. He sits across the room from Blaine during history but next to him at the Warbler’s lunch table. 
Most of the group has the same lunch so Kurt is introduced to them before his audition later this afternoon. 
“Nervous?” Wes asked, “you shouldn’t be.” 
“Yeah, from what Blaine's told us you're a great singer,” Trent added. 
“He’s barely heard me sing,” Kurt replied, poking Blaine’s arm. 
He only sang one line of a song to the other boy today. 
“Well…” Blaine rubs his neck abashedly. “I might’ve watched some New Directions videos on YouTube.” 
“Oh, I forgot Rachel uploaded those.” Kurt tunes to the other Warblers then, “I hope I don’t disappoint.” 
After lunch, Blaine walks Kurt to class again. “Between you and me, you’re a shoo-in.” 
“Really?” The Warblers were such an esteemed group. Not at all like the disorganized New Directions. They had also been a glee club for far longer. 
“Really.” 
***
Blaine has had High School Musical songs in his head all day. Whoever his soulmate is, at least he’s got good taste in Disney Channel original movies. Then as the Warblers were preparing for Kurt’s audition, the song switched. An Evita song. 
His soulmate sure did love musicals. Blaine was rather happy about that. He could already picture them sitting on the couch cuddled under a fluffy blanket with any number of classic musicals laid out before them. Arguing over if it was too soon to rewatch Moulin Rouge and whose turn it was to make popcorn. 
They’d be in a big city apartment. Somewhere where no one cared if they were gay. All anyone wanted to know was how they discovered they were soulmates. Their origin story. 
From that point, the daydream grew fuzzy. Blaine couldn’t come up with that meet-cute story. It hadn’t happened yet and nothing his brain could come up with would ever match up with his future reality. 
He shook his head, bringing himself back to the choir room. 
The room was buzzing with excitement. It wasn’t every day the Warblers auditioned someone mid-semester. Of course, Kurt had special circumstances but the group was notorious for never breaking tradition. 
Blaine tried to focus but it was difficult without Kurt at his side. Lately, he had been distracted whenever Kurt wasn’t around. All Blaine could hear, despite the loud room, was the song in his head. 
I had to let it happen
I had to change
Then, Kurt walked in and music started to play. For a split second, Blaine thought he was imagining the words from “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” coming from Kurt’s lips. Surely he hadn’t chosen the same song as Blaine’s soulmate had in their head. He knew it couldn’t be his imagination when Trent leaned over and whispered to Blaine how much he loved this song. 
Like lightning striking a tree, Blaine had a realization. Kurt Hummel was his soulmate. 
Oh god, what was he going to do? 
His skin was burning as if it was burned away like bark. He drooped in his seat desperate for water to put himself out with. To put a stop to the tingling sensation bubbling up under his skin. 
All he wanted to do was reach out and touch Kurt. Some part of his brain was able to override that thought. He couldn’t ruin this audition for him. There was plenty of time to spend with Kurt after this, Blaine had all the time in the world to talk with his soulmate.
Soulmate.  
Never did he think he would find his soulmate this soon. Gosh, they were only teenagers. They had so much life to live together. This was rare, special, to find your soulmate so quickly in life. Blaine would cherish it, he’d be thankful for this gift for rest of his days. 
But how in the hell was he going to tell Kurt? It had to be romantic. Blaine always thought it would be when he finally came face to face with his soulmate, his one true love. There was so much work to be done and so little time to do it. Now that Blaine knew, he didn’t want to spend another day without Kurt knowing too. 
He used to dream about running dramatically in slow motion towards each other and embracing just as it started to rain, which of course led to a fabulous first kiss in the sudden storm. But Blaine knew how unlikely that would be. 
He’d just have to build a new fantasy, which he thought would be easy to do if Kurt was his so-called Prince Charming. Whatever happened was going to outweigh everything his imagination had come up with thus far. 
First and foremost, he’d had to sit through a discussion of this audition, which he was barely able to pay attention to. All he wanted to do was walk up to Kurt, cup his face, and kiss him. After Kurt was finished, the council dismissed him. Blaine knew he’d find Kurt just outside the choir room because they had plans afterward but now he had no idea how he was going to sit through coffee with Kurt and not tell him. 
“He’s very good,” Trent said, nudging Blaine. 
He nodded in agreement. It seems most of the group concurred, Kurt was a good fit for them. 
Kurt Hummel was the perfect fit for Blaine too. Even if he didn’t know it yet. 
***
Kurt didn’t consider himself to be a good reader of social cues especially when his own emotions were involved. See, Finn Hudson and Sam Evans. Crushes on straight boys never ended well. With Blaine, he swore things would be different. 
They were friends, classmates, and hopefully, soon they’d be fellow Warblers. Kurt was not going to mess this up. Even if Blaine was really cute and friendly and super kind and understanding. There was so much to love about Blaine, Kurt found it hard to find something he didn’t like. 
He had found focusing on his dislikes of a person kept his feelings at bay. Like how messy Finn could be really shut down any romance fantasy Kurt had drawn up. Except, Blaine didn’t dye his hair like Sam, he was completely organized (Kurt had seen his dorm room; spotless), he was modest and genuine. 
It made sense that everyone at Dalton wanted some of his attention. Blaine embodied Kurt’s idea of a gentleman and then some. 
After his audition, Kurt sat outside the choir room waiting for his results. The council would discuss with the full group, release them, and regroup tomorrow with a vote. Kurt was waiting for Blaine to be dismissed because Blaine had promised to buy him a cup of coffee. 
Some of the Warblers who were leaving had some pretty nice things to say about Kurt’s performance. Just general praise which soothes some of his initial nerves. Mostly, he just wanted Blaine to walk out with a big smile on his face. That boy couldn’t keep a secret. Kurt would know if he was in or not just by looking at his face. 
Kurt was joined on his bench by a boy who introduced himself as Duncan. 
“I was super nervous after my audition. I just got in at the beginning of this year so I know what you’re going through.” 
Kurt felt his shoulders drop in relief. As much as Blaine tried to assure him the audition would be perfect, Kurt felt like he couldn’t relate much as the star of the glee club. Back at McKinley, Kurt rarely had center stage. Here, Blaine always had everyone’s attention. 
“That’s actually great to hear,” Kurt said, with a slight chuckle. 
“Seriously, Kurt, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I’m a little concerned they’ll kick me out just to have your voice,” Duncan teased. 
They keep talking about what it’s like to be a new Warbler since Duncan is positive Kurt will be getting good news shortly. He offers up some pointers to get on the council’s good side. 
“I loved your song choice by the way, so weird because Evita had been in my head all day.” 
It feels like someone’s dropped an ice cube down his back. He sits up quickly. 
Oh, Kurt thought, is this it? 
“You did?” He must’ve heard wrong. There’s just no way. 
“Yeah, I love that musical,” Duncan confirmed. 
Could it be this easy? He wondered. 
“We should hang out again soon,” Duncan told him, “I’d love to get to know you. Newbie Warblers gotta stick together.” 
Kurt gives Duncan his number before the other boy wanders off. Before Kurt can get too deep into any fantasies of his soulmate, wondering if that soulmate has just left him or not, Blaine comes out from the choir room. 
“Hey you,” Blaine greeted with a big smile. 
“Are you allowed to give me any inclination?” 
He shook his head but was still smiling wide which made Kurt feel like good news was in his near future like Duncan had said. Kurt was telling Blaine how long he had practiced the song over the weekend with Rachel and Duncan reassurances when Blaine blurted, “Duncan Samuels?” 
“Yeah, we just met.” 
Should he tell Blaine about them being soulmates or wait until he was sure? 
But Blaine just nodded. Something was clearly bothering his friend. For now, Kurt was going to let it go because he was sure Blaine would come to him if he wanted to talk. He didn’t want to force it out of Blaine. 
Kurt couldn’t even get Finn to talk to him during their warm milk chats at night. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to pull the information out of Blaine if he tried.
“Anyway,” Kurt said, continuing his previous line of thought, “Rachel has this whole stage setup in her dads’ basement.” 
“I don’t find that hard to believe based on everything you’ve told me about her.” 
After that comment, their coffee date is back on track, Kurt doesn’t bring up his potential soulmate meeting. 
***
Duncan Samuels was his lifelong nemesis. As far as Blaine was considered his life began when he figured out Kurt was his soulmate and if Duncan was going to interfere with that they were now enemies. Since their coffee date yesterday, Blaine hasn’t heard a word about Duncan but he also had yet to see Kurt today. They only had one class together after lunch, which Blaine was on his way to now. 
Kurt saved him a seat and delivered the news. 
“Duncan and I are going for coffee today.” 
Those words were devastating. 
In normal circumstances, Blaine would’ve asked Kurt why he wasn’t going to rehearsal but of course Kurt wasn’t a Warbler…yet. Blaine knew the Warblers were going to announce Kurt’s membership at the end of day, which meant this was the last rehearsal Kurt wouldn’t attend. 
So instead of a calmly said, normal statement, Blaine spent the next minute freaking out. 
Duncan was the worst! He was going to steal Kurt away from him before Blaine ever got the chance. Well okay, the rational side of him thought, Kurt isn’t being stolen he’s going willingly. 
“That’s nice,” he finally said. 
There was no way for Blaine to stop Kurt and honestly no reason to try since Duncan posed no threat to Kurt. He didn’t need a protector. Blaine knew they were soulmates and he’d find a way to tell Kurt later on. At the end of it all, Kurt was his soulmate. He just knew it. 
“Are you free when I get out of rehearsal?” 
“For you?” Kurt asked, “of course, I’ll probably still be in the cafe.” 
“I’ll come find you,” Blaine told him. 
Still, all throughout Warbler rehearsal, Blaine’s attention was elsewhere. He needed to get out of here and meet up with Kurt. Wes knew it too because he pulled him aside at one point while David ushered the guys into a new arrangement.
“What’s up with you?” He asked, “I need you focused for competition.” 
“I will be,” he vowed. 
“You didn’t answer my question.” 
Blaine looked back at the other boys but they were already harmonizing. 
“It’s Kurt.” 
Wes smiled. “Don’t worry about him. He’s in, I can’t believe we have a countertenor on our team now. We’re going to wipe the floor at regionals.” 
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Wesley. McKinley already knows what a talent Kurt is, he won’t be a surprise to them,” Blaine reminded him. 
“Ah, but they didn’t utilize his talent,” Wes said, “it’ll shock them to see Kurt in the spotlight.” 
Wes patted Blaine’s back and guided him back to the group to finish up rehearsal. 
Blaine couldn’t help but check his phone again before he tuned back into rehearsal. He knew Kurt was getting coffee and that’s why he wasn’t answering his phone. 
One of the best things about Kurt was when you were with him everything else was put aside. Blaine was sure if things got really serious, Kurt would shut his phone off entirely to prove a point. Right now, it was annoying as hell. Blaine needed to see a reassuring text that Kurt wasn’t running off into the sunset with Duncan Samuels. 
What if his phone was turned off because the two of them were standing at the altar? Everyone turns their phones off in church. 
He really really needed to talk to him. Blaine didn’t want to be the type of soulmate that holds onto that information too long. It’s like he’s lying to himself not being with Kurt. 
Once rehearsal was finally over, Blaine rushed over to the on-campus cafe where he knew Kurt would be. He had to be there. 
When Blaine pushed his way through the door, he saw Kurt was sitting alone nursing what looked to be a cup of tea. When Blaine approached him he could tell it was Chamomile. 
“Can I sit?” 
Kurt nodded but didn’t say a word as Blaine hung his bag across the back of the chair and removed his blazer. 
He expected a question about the Warblers, perhaps an inquiry about his status to become one but nothing came. Kurt wasn’t even drinking his tea. 
“What’s wrong? Did Duncan say something to upset you?”
“I’m fine, Blaine,” Kurt said, “Duncan didn’t do anything wrong. It’s me as usual.” 
Blaine didn’t understand. 
“Am I that unlovable?” 
“What?” 
Kurt was the most kind, sincere person he knew and Blaine had only met him a few weeks ago. He was most certainly lovable considering Blaine fell for him in just under 3 weeks 
“I can’t really blame him,” Kurt continued, “it’s not his fault we aren’t soulmates.” 
“You thought he was your soulmate?” 
Maybe telling Kurt wouldn’t be too difficult after all. 
“It’s just he made this comment yesterday that made me think…but of course I got too ahead of myself again and really I should know by now,” Kurt mumbled the last bit, “nothing ever goes to plan.” 
“You can say that again.” 
This cafe wasn’t a romantic candlelit dinner. He didn’t have rose petals to scatter around. There was no champagne to toast. But he had the most important thing. 
Blaine reached across the table to grab Kurt’s hand. “Think of a song.” 
“Why?” 
“Just do it,” Blaine said. 
Kurt’s face was scrunched up in a “I’m confused but I’ll trust you” kind of way. 
As soon as the song hit him, Blaine opened his mouth to sing, “this could be the start of something new…it feels so right to be here with you.”
“How did you—?” 
Blaine smiled at him. “Pick another song.” 
“Your cares and troubles are gone. They'll be no more from now on.”
His mouth opens slightly. 
“Your turn,” Blaine said, “ I want you to sing what comes to mind.” 
Wasn’t the best way to prove they were soulmates to test each other? 
Blaine wanted Kurt to have his own moment of realization even if he engineered it. He didn’t want their “how-did-you-know” story to be him informing Kurt about their connection. Instead, he wanted to tell people about listening to Kurt’s Warbler audition and thinking how odd it was to know the song he was going to sing before it began. Kurt’s story would start with a laugh because he imagined someone other than Blaine as his soulmate the very same day. 
And wasn’t that just so silly of him? 
Rather than have Kurt just sing to him, Blaine harmonized with him. This was the proof. He’d sing everything Kurt could come up with and vice versa. 
“But baby, can't you see there's nothing else for me to do? I'm hopelessly devoted to you.”
“Blaine,” Kurt said. “We’re….”
He nodded. 
Before Blaine even realized it, Kurt was out of his seat leaning towards him, they’re kissing. Kurt’s fingers are curved around his chin and his other hand is tickling the curls at the back of his neck. The tiny wisps of hair that always escape the gel by the late afternoon. 
Blaine would happily keep his curls loose if it meant Kurt would keep his hands in his hair always. Especially, if it meant they’d never stop kissing. 
Eventually, Kurt has to pull away. They’re still close enough to feel each other’s breath. 
“Soulmates,” Blaine whispered. 
It had been quiet while they kissed like everything else in the world just stopped. All the sounds of Dalton came rushing back all at once. The students in the halls, coffee orders being called out, and the shuffling of chairs as people came and went. 
“When did you know?” Kurt asked, sitting down again. 
Blaine pulled his seat around so they were closer and Kurt immediately reached for his hand. 
***
3 months later. 
Blaine hadn’t been upset to lose to McKinley at Regionals. How could he have been when he got to sing with his soulmate in front of a crowd? Their duet was so in sync and the crowd could tell. He doesn’t think he ever received such a loud applause. 
Blaine had wanted to just be in that moment forever—staring into Kurt’s eyes hearing the words in his head just before they were said aloud, gripping his hand before pushing him into the spotlight to soak up the audience’s love. 
No, Blaine was happy about Regionals. The Warblers had worked hard on the set; their second place trophy sat on the right corner of the council’s table at meetings now. What Blaine was concerned about was Kurt’s leaving. 
His dorm room was empty now, the last suitcase zipped up. Blaine was sitting on his boyfriend’s mattress taking in the last moment that Kurt was a Dalton student. 
“I’ll miss you too, you know, a lot,” Kurt said from the doorway. 
“I know,” Blaine replied, “it’s just sad.” 
Kurt took a seat next to him on the bed. 
“I’ll sing to you.” 
Blaine smiled. “Promise?” 
“Everyday.” Kurt kissed his cheek. 
They were going to be okay. 
29 notes · View notes
sassyduckqueen · 3 years
Text
Miraclous: Rise of Anatis 49
And here's Guitar Villain. I hope you like it. The next chapter is the silencer inspired chapter, which I'm very exited for but right now, it's 3 am so I will be going to bed and I'll start it tomorrow. Also I can't believe this story's nearly at 50 chapters :D Anyway my bed calls!
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Chapter Forty-Nine: Guitar Villain Vs XY (2/2)
Luka smiled as he watched Jagged play his guitar. He was stood next to Penny and Bob Roth as Jagged played a solo for his new song. It was a rock song, devoted to Anatis and Lady Noir. Luka had to admit that it captured their energy perfectly and it made him wonder if Jagged had a similar ability to himself. He found it fascinating to watch Jagged as he easily moved his fingers across the fret-board. He really was an amazing guitarist. Maybe one of the best of all time. The rockstar was wearing his signature Eiffel tower glasses and was headbanging as he rocked out as well as jumping around, making Luka smile. He really did have a lot of energy. He jumped and did a power slide, throwing his head back.
 "My miraculous!" He sang, bringing the song to an end as Luka clapped along with Penny clapped before Jagged jumped and handed Penny his guitar. Bob Roth, on the other hand, didn't look so impressed but Luka got the impression that it was hard to impress the guy. "So what do you think of the first single on my new album? Can you feel it, Bob? Isn't it killer?"
 "Not bad, Jagged, not bad," Bob replied before lifting his hand into the air a little as Luka took a seat on the sofa. Fang climbed up and rested his head on Luka's lap. He smiled and gently patted the crocodile as he watched the adults. "But if you really want to be making something killer, let's talk about this duet with Mr XY,"
 "No way, he's not a rocker," Jagged replied, frowning as Luka rolled his eyes. XY's music wasn't even music at all. There was no heart or emotion. It was just boring and repetitive. It's almost as bad as Lila's heart song if you could call it a song. Luka thought it more as screeching, like a distress animal trying to call for help or foxes in mating season. "He's a baby. I bet he doesn't even shave yet. Nah, if you want me to do a duet with someone young, it should be my kid. He's got real talent,"
 "Yet not even signed," Bob argued, throwing a glare at Luka. However, he quickly looked away when Fang let out a low growl. "Besides, this 'baby' just pushed you out of the number one sale spot!"
 "And?" Jagged asked, shrugging. "Doesn't make him a true musician like me. Penny and Luka think what I'm doing is Rockstar material. They think I'm killer,"
 "Penny might be your agent and that boy might be your son but I'm your real boss," Bob growled, making Jagged glare at him and Penny step back. Instantly, Fang moved off the sofa and toward them in a protective manner. He pinched his nose before sighing. "Listen, Bob Roth records can't afford to be No.2 in sales or rep a No.2 rockstar! Get real, Jagged! You gonna have to modernize your music, change the way you look... Get a whole new style!"
 "Tsk," Jagged replied clearly annoyed as he crossed his arms. "You wanna talk about real? I'm a genuine rock and roller, Bob, not some pop star in diapers! I'm a real artist with real talent. Even my hair is real! And that's what people love about me!"
 He grabbed his guitar and slid over to Fang.
 "Isn't that right, Fang? Yeah," He asked the crocodile, grinning before jumping up. "And the artwork you came up with my new album is a waste of my time! Seriously, Bob, what is this trash? It looks like a perfume ad!"
 "And that's what people want these days!" Bob replied, poking Jagged in the chest.
 "Well, I don't!" Jagged replied, frowning. "Honestly, Bob, I don't get what your issue is! Last year, I got to number one without looking like that! My album covers are suppose to be raw to the bone, exuding the smell of sweat and leather!"
 "You do know, don't you, that if your next album doesn't rank no.1 in the charts, it will be the last one you'll ever do in Bob Roth Records,"
 "Doesn't seem like a loss to me," Luka muttered, causing Bob to glare at him.
 "I'd rather put out nothing at all rather then sing some pathetic duet with that baby faced nobody," Jagged muttered, turning his back on Bob as he glared. Penny held up her hands as she stepped in to control the situation.
 "Bob, Jagged and I had an idea," She replied, taking his arm and causing him to look at her. "It's concept is modern but it also respects Jagged's own 'rugged' style,"
 "The school girl who made these glasses has some real talent. I've commissioned her for several pieces since she made these and she's real good friends with my son so I know she is killer too," Jagged grinned, holding out his glasses as Luka glanced over. Is he gonna suggest what he thinks he is? "She gets my style. She'll design the cover of my new album,"
 "A school girl?" Bob asked, unimpressed.
 "Luka, show Bob your jacket," Jagged grinned, causing Luka to stand up and grab his jacket from the hook. He pull it on and walked over, causing Bob to look at it. His expression quickly turned from unimpressed to fascinated. "Marinette is a totally killer designer with a real bright future,"
"She also is the same age as the target audience, Bob," Penny explained, making him nod as he listened. "Here's her address,"
 "Alright but just think about this duet with Mr XY," Bob replied, taking the address and leaving the room as Luka took off the jacket and flopped back onto the sofa.
 "Why not contact Marinette yourself or commission her through her website?" Luka asked, making Jagged eyes go big. He forgot that Jagged didn't know about the website yet. Marinette was still shy about telling people, especially with the whole Reflekdoll incident. Luckily, they redid the photo shoot and got some really nice pictures. Juleka modeled most of the outfits but he also modeled a few of them. They even got some great photos of them together. He was really happy to see Juleka doing it. She honestly did amazingly. "Marinette's gonna kill me,"
 "Yep," Penny laughed before sitting down. "Since it's for Jagged's album cover, it works a little different to how we get his outfits but I'm sure Marinette will agree and do great. Though I wish Bob would drop the whole duet thing with XY,"
 "Why does he keep pushing it?" Luka asked, frowning, Penny sighed.
 "Probably because XY is his son," Penny sighed, making Luka frown. He didn't know that. "Either way, I can't wait to see what Marinette will come up with,"
 "Same here," Luka smiled as Jagged handed him a guitar. He smiled and took it before the rockstar grabbed his own and took a seat. The two of them began to jam, causing Penny to smile.
 ~Later that Day~
 "Marinette is here," Penny smiled, showing the girl in. Luka smiled and waved at her, making her wave back at him. He could tell she felt nervous but it wasn't because she was in front of Jagged Stone or Bob Roth. It felt like she was worried that they wouldn't like her design and honestly her music sounded a little dull, like her normal creativity had been sucked out of her. He frowned a little as she walked over to them and held out the cover design. Jagged took it and instantly frowned, holding it by the corner. Luka frowned as he saw it too. It was nicely designed but definitely not Jagged or Marinette's style. In fact, it looks very similar to the XY album cover and like a perfume ad but that explained Marinette's song. 
 "What happened to the raw impulsive artistry that made this?" Jagged asked, dropping it to the floor but Marinette didn't even react. She was not proud of her work at all. She sighed and stepped forward.
 "Yeah... about that,"  She mumbled, rubbing the back of her head. "Mr Roth told me-"
 "Marinette's young, Jagged!" Bob gasped, pushing her out of the way. Instantly, Luka narrowed his eyes and gripped his guitar tightly. "She represents the target audience. She's come up with a modern concert that's exactly what you need,"
 "You mean you pressured her into making that for what you need," Luka stated, making Bob glare at him as Marinette looked a little surprise. She pressed her forefingers together. So he was spot on then.
 "Doesn't it look a lot like the cover of that YZ guy?" Jagged smirked, clearly knowing what Bob had tried to before he turned to Marinette. "Marinette, don't listen to Bob. Could you do another one... you know Jagged Style?"
 "Yeah... sure," She replied but Bob placed his hand on her shoulder and growled a little, causing Luka to narrow his eyes again. He was ready to jump and pull her away from Bob if he moved his hand any farther. "But I don't know if..."
 "You're my girl, Marinette. Remember... raw, impulsive artistry" Jagged stated, taking her hand in his before turning to Bob. "I think we're all done here, Bob,"
 "No, we'-" Bob started, moving his arm around Marinette, causing her to look uncomfortable. Almost as soon as he did, Luka jumped up and easily pulled her out of his grip as Fang growled. He held her protectively as he glared at Bob backed away from Fang. Seeing the chance, Penny got up and walked over to them.
 "Come with me, Marinette," Penny smiled, leading her away from Bob. Luka gave him one last glare before turning to Jagged.
 "I'm gonna head out with Marinette," He explained, getting a nod of him. "See you later,"
 "Of course, Luka. Just drop us a text when you want to spend some more time with your old man!" Jagged grinned as Luka put down the guitar and grabbed his jacket. He jogged over to Marinette as Penny told her not to worry, causing Bob to notice. He tried to say they weren't done but Fang growled at him again, scaring him.
 "You off, Luka?" Penny asked, getting a nod of him as Marinette blinked up at him. "Well, don't be a stranger,"
 "I won't be," He smiled before turning to Marinette and offered her his arm. She giggled but happily took it as they walked over to the lift.
 "You didn't have to leave because of me," She mumbled, making him look at her.
 "It's fine," He smiled. "I was getting hungry and the music in the room was getting pretty loud so I could with the fresh air,"
 "Ah, I see," She replied before doing a dramatic sigh. "And here I thought you just wanted to spend some time with me?"
 "I mean um..." He gasped, going bright red and making her laugh. "I cou-could get you lunch if you like?"
 "Hmm, you know I'd like that," She smiled as they walked in the lift. She leaned over and pressed the button as she sighed. "But I really should get started on this album cover,"
 "Oh right, yeah... of course," He mumbled, going a little red. She giggled a little. 
 "But maybe we could hang out tomorrow?" She asked, making him glance at her. "I know it's not quite lunch today but it would be nice to spend some time with you,"
 "Y-Yeah?" He asked. His cheeks were still a little bit flushed. "That would be great,"
 "It's a date then," She grinned, smirking as he went a little red. She giggled as she thought it was adorable. The door opened in the lift, causing them to step out and head towards the exit. Marinette stopped and leaned up, kissing Luka's cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow then,"
 "Kay," He muttered, a little dazed. She smiled and walked, lifting his hand to wave as she left. He stood there for a few seconds as he smiled dreamily before Tikki poked him in his side, making him blink as Adrien got out of his car.
 "Hey, Luka," He smiled, waving to him as he walked over. "You ok? Your cheeks are red,"
 "O-oh I'm fine," Luka grinned as Chloe rushed past him and hugged Adrien, causing him to smile and greet her back. She noticed Luka and grinned.
 "Hey, Luka. Are you wanting to meet Jagged Stone as well?" She asked, making him chuckle a little. If only she knew. "I've arranged for me and Adrien to meet him! If you want you can come with us!!"
 "Oh, that's nice of you, Chloe," Luka smiled. "But I was just gonna get a bite to eat and head home,"
 "Ooh, why don't you have something from the restaurant?" She gasped, grabbing his hand and dragging him inside with Adrien, who just shrugged. Luka went to say he couldn't afford it, making Chloe tut. "Oh, don't sweat it, Luka. I'll get it for you. It's the least I can do given how kind you've been to me. Besides, you're my friend,"
 "Thank you but I really don't mind getting food else where," He replied, noticing Bob Roth sat doing an interview near by. He glared towards him a little.
 "Honestly, it's fine," She grinned, pressing the lift button. "Daddy won't care as he gives me anything I want,"
 "Well, I gu-" Luka started as Bob Roth mentioned something about Jagged doing a duet with XY but a growl cut him, causing everyone to look in direction it came from. Luka gasped as he saw a giant purple dragon that looks similar to Fang before noticing the man below it. He was dressed in a dark gray sleeved top with a turtle neck collar and yellow flames going up the sides. It also had pointed edges on the shoulders and the sleeves were purple with black fishnets on them. He had a dark gray belt with purple spikes on it around his waist. Her pants were dark gray with yellow flames up going up with his legs. His gloves and boots were dark gray with purple spikes on each of them. His hair was in long dreadlocks and was light pink with a dark pink ombre. He had black face paint around his eyes which resembled the face paint of Gene Simmons of Kiss. He was holding his guitar, which was a shiny purple with two black points instead of it's circular form.
 "From now on, you call him Guitar Villain and he'll never do a duet with Mr XY!" The akumatized Jagged declared, causing Luka to stare at him in shock. "In fact, soon there won't even be a Mr XY! Rocking Riff, Baby!"
 He played his guitar while head banging, causing a purple energy to appear and hit Bob Roth and the woman who was interviewing him. They started to rock out and jump around as if at a metal concert, causing Guitar Villain to smirk.
 "Soon there will be nothing but guitar villain fans," He declared, moving his hand in front of him. "The one and only rocker on earth,"
 "Dad," Luka muttered as he held up his hands in the horns symbol.
 "Dad?" Adrien questioned, causing Luka to turn and face him and Chloe, who looked at him with surprise. He had forgotten they were there. Adrien blinked and looked over at him. "Jagged is yo-"
 "Please don't tell anyone," Luka gasped, surprising them as the lift door opened. He pushed them in and pressed the upper floor. "I'll explain everything later but go and hide. I'm gonna alert the akuma app and hide behind that plant pot,"
 "Huh? But isn't it sa-" Chloe started but the door to the lift closed before she could finish the sentence. Luka moved behind the plant pot and ducked down as Guitar Villain began to walk down the stairs. He took out his phone and activated the akuma alert app, even though he was already on the scene. It would stop Adrien and Chloe from questioning him about that part.
 "Yeah! Guitar Villain!" Guitar Villain declared as he walked to the door with Fang flying next to him. "Whoo!"
 "Well, at least he's kind of himself," Tikki muttered as she flew out of his pocket.
 "Still it's like Hawkmoth has an issue with my family," Luka muttered, frowning. Hawkmoth has targeted Rose and his mum once and he's targeted Juleka twice. Now he's gone after his dad. If he didn't know any better, he'd think that Hawkmoth knows who he really is. However, he knows that he's been really careful with his identity. He let out a sigh before looking at Tikki. "Time to face the music. Tikki, spots on!"
 He transformed into Anatis and rushed outside as the doorman head-banged. He threw up his yoyo and swung onto the rooftops. He looked around and saw that a number of people, pigeons and cars had been hit by Guitar Villain, causing them to be forced to head-bang. He frowned to himself before swinging over to the Fontaine du Palmier, landing on it as Guitar Villain hit a mother and her child with his beam.
 "You know moshing is really bad for people's necks!" He declared, causing Guitar Villain to face him.
 "Trying to crash my party, bug boy?" He asked, taking out his guitar. "Awesome solo!"
 He played his guitar, directing a golden beam towards Anatis. He jumped up and moved out of the way as it hit it, causing it to fall. Guitar Villain didn't seem bothered by it's destruction and kept playing his guitar, trying to hit Anatis with the beam. He jumped over a number of cars to get out of the way of the attack and took out his yoyo, going to throw it at Guitar Villain but before he could, green fire was directed at him. He jumped out of the way and looked up, seeing Fang flying the sky. He opened his mouth again and breathed fire towards Anatis, causing him to run out of the way. Guitar Villain smirked and directed his guitar at Anatis as he tried to dodge Fang's fire, hitting him with the golden beam that pinned him to the wall of a building.
 "Welcome to my fan club, Baby," Guitar Villain chucked as he repeatedly hit him against the wall before letting him fall to the ground. Anatis jumped up and ran as Fang tried to blow a fire at him again. He jumped over a car but he was thrown back by the awesome solo beam. He landed against a lamp post and fell to the ground as Fang flew over and when to breathe fire at him. However, Lady Noir jumped in front of him and redirected the fire with her baton, allowing him to get to his feet. 
 "Annie, you ok?!" She asked as he dusted himself down.
 "Yeah, I'm fine," He replied, glancing up at Fang as it flew around and turned back round. "Glad you turned up when you did. Your baton would work nicely right now,"
 "Sounds like a plan. Give me a step up?" She replied before running towards him. He placed his hands to get, allowing her to step on them before he brought them up, throwing her upwards and towards Fang. She threw her baton as he opened his mouth, trapping it in between his jaws. She grabbed held of it but Fang shook her off, causing her to fall down. She moved her body around and jumped off the side of a building as Fang snapped his jaw, sending her baton flying. She caught it and landed on the ground, glancing around as Guitar Villain jumped on Fang and flew over to them.
 "You're wasting my time!" He declared, glaring at them. "I have a concert to go to,"
 With that, he flew off, making Lady Noir raise an eyebrow before the two heroes jumped up and ran across the roofs to try and catch up with him.
 "So who is the rockstar wannabe?" She asked, causing Anatis to frown.
 "It's Jagged Stone," He replied, making her gasp. "He's calling himself Guitar Villain but I'm not sure why he got akumatized,"
 "Damn, maybe it had something to do with Mr XY," She replied, making him look at her with a questioning look. "Oh, Mr XY gave an interview and basically insulted Jagged. He called him as has-been and Ragged. He then implied that Jagged didn't know real music, stole his catchphrase... you know the whole 'killer' thing and basically dared him to come to his gig, saying he would give him front row tickets in case Jagged couldn't hear because of his age,"
 "Rude," Anatis gasped, looking annoyed. "Jagged is the true musician here and he's not that old!"
 "Are you secretly a Jagged fan?" Lady Noir grinned.
 "That's no secret, Kitten," He grinned as they landed on a building. They could see Fang in the distance as he flew around the Eiffel tower. "Why is it always the Eiffel tower?"
 "No idea," Lady Noir replied, shrugging. "So what's the plan?"
 "Well, his power comes from his guitar," Anatis muttered, glancing up at the dragon. "We've gotta keep him from performing,"
 "Well, let's put a stop to this one man band," Lady Noir grinned before the two of them jumped over to the Eiffel tower and scaled it. They got to the top and climbed over the gate just as Guitar Villain went to hit Théo Barbot with his 'rocking riff' attack. Anatis threw his yoyo and pulled him away before he could be hit. Guitar Villain growled and glared at them as he saw them.
 "You two again!" He huffed, narrowing his eyes. "To the TV studio, Fang,"
 He jumped onto Fang and flew off, making Anatis to frown.
 "He's gonna get there before us," Lady Noir gasped as Anatis took out his yoyo. "We can't let him get to XY,"
 "I'm on it," He replied, dialing a number and holding the yoyo to his ear. "Hello, it's Anatis. Can you put me through to whoever is interviewing XY? Yeah, I'll hold,"
 He rolled his eyes a little, making Lady Noir snort with laughter.
 "Ah, Ms Chamuck, it's Anatis," He stated as Lady Noir turned to Theo and made sure he was ok. "Sorry to interrupt you like this but there is an akuma after Mr XY. He's on his way to the studios now so I need you to evacuate the studio. Me and Lady Noir will be there shortly,"
 He hung up and walked over to Lady Noir.
 "Time to go," He stated, making her nod. "You ok, Mr Barbot?"
 "Y-Yeah, just a little shaken," He replied, standing up. "Thanks for saving me,"
 "No worries," Anatis smiled before the two of heroes jumped down and headed towards the studio. The two landed outside the staff entrance as Alec Cataldi came out with XY. Anatis almost got distracted from the sound of XY's heart song. It was mechanical and boring. He shook his head and walked over before he gently took his arm as Lady Noir kept a look out. "Mr XY, please come with us. We have to get you to safety,"
 "So what's this guitar villain gonna do?" He asked, yanking his arm free from Anatis, making him frown as he moved his hands. "Blow me away with his 'evil' guitar solo?"
 "Yeah," The two heroes replied, making XY roll his eyes. Anatis took a deep breathe as Lady Noir placed her hand on his arm.
 "Once we've catch Guitar Villain, we'll get you to the Eiffel tower just in time for your concert," Lady Noir smiled but XY didn't even look bother. It made Anatis grit his teeth. This guy was getting on his nerve even more with each passing second.
 "Pft, who even cares?" He declared, causing Lady Noir to stare at him in surprise. Both her and Anatis were thinking the same thing. How was this guy even considered a musician? "My roadies can just project my image onto stage. Live concerts were so ten minutes ago,"
 Literally as the words left his mouth, he was suddenly swooped up into Fang's mouth, causing both heroes to blink in surprise before Anatis let out a sigh as they heard XY cry out. Alec ran off seconds later, thinking the dragon come after him.
 "I suppose we better go save him," He mumbled, making Lady Noir pout a little.
 "Do we have?" She asked, making him chuckle. "He's so annoying... live concerts are so ten minutes ago... how lame,"
 "Don't get me started, Kitten," He stated as they jumped up to the rooftops. "It hurts my soul just thinking about it,"
 "Well, you are the embodiment of creativity," She giggled as they jumped across before stopping. "So we're back to step one,"
 "Unfortunately," He replied, stretching. "I say we go and observe since we don't know what he has planned for XY,"
 "Hmm... are you sure this isn't just you punishing Mr XY for his lack of respect to music?" Lady Noir asked, grinning. Anatis gave her a smirk before jumping to another building. The two of them landed on a building opposite the Eiffel and crouched down to observe Guitar Villain and his hostage. Fang was flying around the Eiffel Tower as fans began to arrive. There was already a number of people out there though. It looked like it would be a sell out show, making Anatis roll his eyes a little. He stopped as he noticed a plank of wood been put out on the top of the Eiffel tower. Jagged walked out and played his 'rocking riff', hitting the audience with it. He made a devil horns sign and stuck out his tongue before walking off the plank and grabbed XY, who was tied up and shoved him onto the plank. "What is he doing?"
 "What he does best," Anatis replied, frowning a little as he glanced up. Lady Noir looked at him and rose a brow in a questioning way. "He's putting on a show and I think XY is the main act,"
 "Does this mean we get to go backstage?" Lady Noir grinned, causing Anatis to look at her and smirk back. 
 "Well, we do have VIP passes," He replied, standing up. She jumped to her feet as well. "Let's gate crash this gig,"
 "Rock'n'Riff, baby," She grinned before the two jumped across the roofs again and onto the Eiffel tower. They began to climb the tower as the crowd cheered and yelled. Guitar Villain appeared, standing close to the top of the tower as he watched them.
 "Hello Paris!" He shouted before jumping down and landing on the plank of wood that XY was stood on. He smirked darkly, causing the younger musician to step away from him in fear. "So you said your music is the only killer music around. Is that right?!"
 "I d-didn't mean it!" XY gasped as he continued to back away from Guitar Villain, getting closer to the edge as he did. "Li-listen, Mr G-Guitar... we can... do the duet your style!"
 He screamed as he almost lost his footing. He looked down and gulped as Guitar Villain jumped onto Fang and flew behind him. He tapped the plank of wood, making it wobble. XY whimpered and gasped as Guitar Villain jumped off Fang and smirked at him.
 "Too late," He declared, stalking over to XY. "I'm going to show you what real killer music really sounds like! Ultimate solo!!"
 He began to play his guitar, causing waves of green energy to spread out from his guitar. As soon as they hit XY, they began to make the plank he was stood on bounce up and down in a violent manner, causing the man to whimper in fear. 
 "Stop it! Please!" He gasped as Guitar Villain kept playing. As soon as it came near the heroes, it made them almost loose their footing and when it hit the audience, it knocked a number of them down. Anatis frowned as he held onto the side of the Eiffel tower.
 "XY is gonna fall," Lady Noir gasped as she gripped on part of the tower too. The solo came to a stop, allowing the heroes to be able to let go of the tower. Anatis took out his yoyo as Lady Noir stepped over to him and held onto him. He moved his free hand around her waist and threw his yoyo, grappling them up through the inner part of the tower. However, Fang swooped in and bit the string, causing the two heroes to fall. Lady Noir took out her baton and extended it, trapping inbetween the edges of the tower. She held on it and looked down as Anatis continued to fall. "Anatis!"
 Fang came back around and flew over to him, causing him to throw his yoyo. The dragon snapped it's jaws around it and flew off as Anatis held on, causing Lady Noir to let a sigh of relief. He jumped onto Fang's back and wrapped the yoyo's string around his mouth so he could control him.
 "Easy there, Fang," He stated, causing the dragon to look at him as a little bit of recognition appeared in it's eyes. He smiled as he made on attempt to throw him off. "Good Fang. Let's go. We have a stuck kitty to rescue,"
 He pulled on the string to direct Fang, causing him to fly down and towards Lady Noir. It flew through one of the holes in the tower and underneath Lady Noir, just as she let go. She landed on the dragon and catch her baton before Anatis flew it out of the tower. He pulled the string, getting Fang to turn around and fly back towards it as Lady Noir got up.
 "You ok?" Anatis asked as she held onto his arms and nodded. He glanced over at her before lifting one of his arms. "Step over here and put your arm around my waist. It will be safer for you,"
 "T-Thanks," She blushed a little before moving under his arm and placing her arm around his waist so he was stood behind her. It was a lot easier for her to hold onto him this way. "So the bug tamed the dragon?"
 "Fang's a big softie really, even as a dragon," He grinned as he pulled on the strings again, causing Fang to fly down again. He frowned as he glanced over at Guitar Villain and XY.
 "So how do you like the concert?" Guitar Villain asked, smirking at XY who was shaking in fear. "Still think your music is the only killer music out there?"
 "N-No! Please... do-don't!" XY gasped as a loud crack was heard. Anatis frowned as he looked over, noticing a crack in the plank. It wouldn't take long to break. Guitar Villain went to use his 'awesome solo' move but Anatis pulled the strings again, directing Fang over to him.
 "Not so fast!" He declared, flying Fang over low enough and close enough to cause Guitar Villain to dive out of the way.
 "My dragon!" He gasped as he landed on the floor before he jumped as Anatis turned Fang back around.
 "Anatis! Lady Noir! Hurry!!" XY begged as Lady Noir leaned a little closer to Anatis.
 "Nice job," She smiled before Anatis pulled Fang to the side to avoid Guitar Villain's attack. Lady Noir glanced over and scanned her eyes over Guitar Villain. He didn't seem to have any item on him other then his guitar, which must be where the akuma is. "I think the akuma is in his guitar,"
 "I agree but it's not gonna be easy getting to it," Anatis replied as he moved the strings to dodge the attacks. "I think it's time to go backstage for real!"
 She nodded as he pulled the string and directed Fang towards the tower. They crash straight into it, trapping Fang in the tower and throwing them off him. They landed on the other side of the tower's rafters before they got up.
 "You ok?" Lady Noir asked as Anatis dusted himself down.
 "Yeah, you?" He replied, getting a nod of her before he turned to Fang. "Sorry, Fang,"
 Fang gave him a look before the two of them jumped up through the inside of the tower. Anatis threw his yoyo as they got closer to Guitar Villain and XY and pulled himself onto a platform on the outside of the tower. Lady Noir landed next to him and frowned as Guitar Villain taunted XY.
 "Or is it too awesome for you?" He asked as XY yelled out in fear. Anatis narrowed his eyes as he watched the scene. As much as he didn't like XY or his music, he didn't deserve to be tormented or fall to his death. He took out his yoyo and threw it up in the air.
 "Lucky charm!" He called, causing a can of hair spray to appear out of thin air. He caught it and frowned a little as Lady Noir rose an eyebrow at him. He glanced at it and read the label. "Extreme fixing gel?"
 "I never knew you wanted to be a hairstylist," Lady Noir grinned as Guitar Villain began to play his guitar again. The green wave hit them, making them wobble. Lady Noir gasped and held onto Anatis as he grabbed the side of the tower and looked around in his luck vision. Guitar Villain's hair highlighted, making him smirk. "And here I just thought you were an artist,"
 "What can I say? I'm a jack of all trades," He grinned before flicking his hair. "I even do my own hair. Mind lending me a paw?"
 "I'm on it," She grinned, jumping up and running towards Guitar Villain. She clashed her baton against his guitar and used it to redirect his attack as Anatis climbed up on the tower before narrowing his eyes as he waited for an opening. Guitar Villain managed to get her baton out of her hands, causing it to bounce closer to XY before he directed his 'awesome' solo attack towards her.
 "Cataclysm!" She shouted, holding out her hand to protect herself. The beam hit her hand but began to freak out as soon as it touched her cataclysm, allowing her to jump over Guitar Villain and power slide to her baton. She picked it up and jumped back over to him, trapping him with her baton. Anatis dived down and ran over just as Guitar Villain threw her off and began to play his guitar to attack her, head banging as he did. Anatis shook the can and jumped over him, landing in front of him and spray his hair with the hairspray. Guitar Villain yelled and dropped his guitar, trying to pull his hair out of his face as he stumbled around blindly. Anatis smirked and went to grab the guitar as XY yelled.
 "H-Hey, don't forget about me!" He yelled as the plank cracked and sent him plummeting down. "Help!"
 Anatis threw his yoyo and wrapped it around his leg, causing him to bounce like he was on a bungy jump. Anatis pulled the string, causing XY to fall straight onto the guitar and break it in half. The akuma escaped from it as he took out his yoyo and threw it, catching it. He pulled his yoyo back to him and pressed it, releasing the purified butterfly back into the world before he threw the hairspray can into the air and called out for the cure. It burst into the magical swarm and dashed around Paris, fixing all the damage before it swarmed around the Eiffel tower and finally XY, Guitar Villain, Lady Noir and Anatis, moving them to a safe area on the tower. Guitar Villain fell on his knees and turned back into Jagged as XY gasped. He stood up and looked around confused before he noticed the two heroes.
 "Anatis! Lady Noir! What are you two doing here?" He gasped, excited before he noticed XY. "Oh... wait... you two aren't XY fans are you? I mean I can respect it if you are but I hoped-"
 "What is he doing here?!" XY gasped, cutting Jagged off as Anatis sighed. Lady Noir leaned over to him.
 "I don't think he remembers," She whispered in his ear as he nodded before he turned to XY.
 "He came to tell you that you completely underestimated the power of his music," He explained, causing XY to look like a fish as he gaped at them,
 "This guy is crazy!" He gasped, pointing to him as Jagged dusted himself down. He placed his hands on his hips and turned his head towards XY, smiling a little. "He's insane!"
 "Thank you," He replied, making Anatis roll his eyes in a playful manner as Lady Noir grinned before she gasped with widen eyes.
 "Oh no! I have to go!!" She gasped, causing the three guys to raise an eyebrow at her. "I have a deadline!"
 She ran towards the edge and jumped off it before bouncing through the city. Anatis shook his head and turned to Jagged as he placed his hand on Anatis' shoulder.
 "That's one funny feline," He grinned, causing Anatis to groan and face palm.
 ~Next Day~
 Marinette took a deep breathe as she rode the lift up to Jagged's room. She was feeling super nervous but she couldn't tell if it was because she was about to present her art work to Jagged or because she had a date with Luka later. Well, kind of date. She wasn't sure if it was a date but she wanted it to be. However, she was still sure he only liked her as a friend but she did like him a lot. However, she also liked Anatis a lot and she knew Anatis liked her. She went bright red as she remembered him saying that he liked her but then frowned as she remembered he had to reject her. She shook her head and took another deep breathe, vowing to enjoy her time with Luka regardless of if it was a date or not. There was nothing wrong with taking things slow and hanging out as friends. Besides, she was still moving on from Adrien. It wouldn't be fair to Luka to try and date him when she was a hundred percent over her crush on Adrien. She was getting there though. The door pinged, making her gasp before she stepped out and walked over to the door. She knocked on it and smiled as Penny opened it a few minutes later. 
 "Hello Marinette," She smiled, letting her in. Marinette gulped and followed her as she noticed Jagged sat on the sofa next to Fang as Bob Roth paced up and down the room. She also noticed that Luka wasn't hanging out here today but she shouldn't be surprised. He was still getting to know the rockstar after all. She couldn't expect him to be here every time. Her phone vibrated, causing her to take it out and look at it.
 L: Good luck, Melody. You've got this x
 She couldn't help but smile as she felt more confident. She put her phone away and turned to the rockstar. Bob Roth walked over and stood next to her as she handed the cover to Jagged. He leaned over and took it off her before leaning back and looking at it. Marinette nervously bit her lip as he studied it before a huge smile came across his face.
 "Oh yeah, this is it," Jagged grinned as he held it before he looked over at Marinette. "You did it, girl. I can almost smell the leather and sweat just radiating off this design,"
 He held it up to his nose and sniffed it as Marinette walked over to reveal the secret she hid in it.
 "You actually are smelling it," She explained nervously as Jagged looked at her. She pointed to a sticker on the design. "I concocted a special scented sticker for your album,"
 "I want it! I gotta have it!" He declared, gripping the album in his hands. "It's authentic! It's original! It's... so Jagged!"
 He brought it to his face and stroked it a little as Marinette smiled. However, Bob Roth did not seem impressed at all.
 "No, you can't!" He declared, making Marinette frown. "It's not what the public wa-"
 "Fine then I'm out of here," Jagged declared, glaring at him. "I'm sure another record company would be perfectly happy with a number 2 chart topper,"
 Bob growled as Marinette handed him back the XY album, causing him to snatch it and storm off. She smiled and turned to Jagged, who was patting Fang's head. He looked up and smiled at her.
 "Great job as usual, Marinette," He grinned, making her smile "We'll send you a payment soon. Your details are still the same yeah?"
 "Um yeah," She gasped, not expect to be paid but happy that she was. Penny gave her a smile and led her to the door, thanking her for doing the design. Marinette smiled and left the hotel room before getting into the lift. As soon as the door closed, she jumped up and down as Plagg flew out of her purse. "I can't believe it! I just designed Jagged Stone's new album!!"
 "I'm only gonna say this once so don't expect me to repeat it," Plagg replied, making her look at him as he looked to the side a little embarrassed. "I'm proud of you, Marinette,"
 "Aww, thank you Plagg," She grinned, gently cupping him in her hands and kissing his head. He smiled as the lift came to a stop and flew back into her purse as Marinette took out her phone and texted Luka before smiling to herself. Today was a good day.
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Next Chapter: Chapter 50
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peppusae · 3 years
Text
How to say 'I love you' without saying 'I love you' | Chae Hyungwon pt 1
part: 1 of 3
other parts:  pt 1 || pt 2 || pt 3
pairing: chae hyungwon x reader
genre: fluff, little slow-burn and angst, smut
word count: 5.6k words
note: i had a dream about this plot so i must write this because after this dream hyungwon became my bias wrecker and i cry about him every day since pls send help gbye
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ugh i love him so much :(((
>
How to say 'I love you' without saying 'I love you'
What’s every kpop fan’s goal in life?
To meet their idols, attend a concert, and attend a fan sign, right?
Some others... They aim higher than that.
And you’re one of those people.
In fact, you love k-pop so much that you found your career took a whooping turn and you ended up majoring in language, for the very simple fact that you could apply to join an entertainment company and be a staff/writer, the latter which makes you feel the proudest of yourself.
But life….
Life can be super mean sometimes. And you learn this the hard way, when you get rejected by SM entertainment - your first and actually the only choice because you are a major Shinee fan and life is just NOT fair at all!
One way or the another, after multiple applying, you finally get a good job in another company - Starship Entertainment.
Now, Starship was definitely not one amongst your top 5 agencies. But you always try not to let that affect your work - and over time, you come to love your job.
Especially when you get assigned as Monsta X’s writer and interpreter.
You find the members of the group very very appealing, all of them having their own charms.
Hyunwoo, who goes by the name Shownu and has an appetite that makes everyone giggle; He is such a soft-hearted soul and you really look up to him because he is always kind enough to give you a hand if he finds you doing something like lugging some boxes around, and would give the prettiest eye smiles when he gets a compliment.
Hoseok, who goes by the name Wonho and is probably the person you would sacrifice everything for; because of the heartwarming smile he has to offer, the way he continuously asks you to go through the comments he received on his vlives, and would politely request you to review what fans are saying about him on his posts.
Kihyun, who is very much Korean down to the bone with his extremely polite mannerisms and the way he always makes sure the staff - you included - are always eating as well; even if it’s a show about them. And also, the way he had once asked if he was your bias, and looked shocked to hear he wasn’t - and then continued to do things to get your attention and ask “Am I your bias now?” in the middle, like an idiot.
Jooheon, who also occasionally comes to you and asks for mini English lessons, and then gets bored after learning two or three new words - and then instead likes to chat about random things like the cats he owns, and your line of cacti which he, for some reason, is obsessed with, and your chats with Jooheon usually end with a compliment battle, and he always made you feel proud because he always says that chatting about normal things like that always inspires him a lot too.
Changkyun, who you consider as your bias wrecker because he keeps his own cool, stays in his own bubble and get things done, and doesn’t brag; instead, he’s very gentle, always the first person to notice if you’re sitting out in the lounge by yourself racking your brains for new content, and uses you as a guinea pig for testing out his lame new puns or pickup lines.
And then… Hyungwon, who doesn’t talk a lot when he’s with the rest of the group, but you found to be startlingly talkative when he’s doing a solo vlive or with only a few members like either Shownu or Wonho. In fact, you remember being wide-eyed when he continuously chatted with his fans on a vlive for a whooping 2 hours, and you can’t forget the precious and warm smile he had on his face when you said you liked seeing him so lively and talkative.
“I have a lot of things up my sleeve which you probably don’t know that much about, [Name]-ah.” He had said that time, and sometimes, you can see the way his eyes would filter through the staff during shows and land on yours, and smile at you.
And finally, Minhyuk, who was your absolute favourite out of the entire group, your bias because he gets along so well with everyone, always making everyone - including the staff - laugh, and would not hesitate to call anyone out if they’re doing something they shouldn’t. It makes you giggle, the way he would approach you in the middle of a variety show shooting they’re doing and ask if you were the writer of the show and how you had the audacity to make them walk around like lunatics. He acts like a crackhead like that, but you’ve grown to be so attached to him when you realized that, beyond his bright personality, he also is an insanely sweet person; You found this out when you had mentioned applying to SM entertainment because Shinee was your favorite group ever, and Minhyuk -even if he asked how dare you talk about other men in his presence - met up with Shinee while hosting a show and got the members to sign, and even got Kibum, your Shinee bias, to sign you a message inside their recent album.
Undoubtedly, Minhyuk was your favorite, for a good reason.
But still, to be put frankly, Hyungwon was the member that has your heart, for the simple reason that he was so unpredictable and has his own sense of humour and personality.
Since you got assigned to work with Monsta X, your life has been a messy tangle of fun, a normal day being you having a chat with Hyungwon and then getting interrupted by Minhyuk who would have zero filters and ask “Are you two dating?”, which causes the two of you to flush red for no reason, while Kihyun would overhear this and say “Huh?! You’re picking him to date but you don’t think of me as bias material?”.
The cycle would be endless, with Wonho laughing while watching the entire scene unfold, while Jooheon would join in with Minhyuk while Shownu would butt in and say “Minhyuk-ah, we have to go back to practise now tho,” and Changkyun sticking his head out from his dorm room and saying he still has 5 more minutes to finish the session of his favorite game.
You’ve grown to love this cycle and it doesn’t feel like a job, doing something you love with good people to work with, and life has been even easier after you got a dorm room within the building.
So, even if you had a roommate - and she’s nice, just not too close - things at Starship has been working out well for you.
Your daily chaos started simmering down a little once the pandemic hit, and all of the staff got confined to their rooms for work.
Because some of the shows you’re writing the scripts for are getting approved easily, you feel lucky to be one of the few staff who is now allowed to go alongside the members when they’re out for shows.
The times when you’re working from your dorm room, you feel so tired - perhaps missing the chaos you were so used to for the past couple years.
One day, you get a kakao chat from Hyungwon, asking if he can come over to discuss something with you.
It’s early in the morning - 8:15 am, and you’re half awake but you let him in, trying your hardest not to yawn too much in front of the member you considered the most attractive from the bunch.
Your roommate, Dawon, was kind enough to clean up the room a little bit when you said Hyungwon was coming over - and you said it on purpose because you knew she called Hyungwon her type and admits to having a teensy crush on him even though she knows it won’t work out anyways.
Hyungwon is wearing a caramel sweater and grey baggy sweatpants, and it always warms your heart to see the boys dressed in comfy clothes because they have to spend so much time wearing clothes that probably look good but not feel as comfy.
“Hyungwonnie, come on in!” You greet him, and he reacts with a chuckle and he always does that ever since you started calling him by that nickname after the day he said you should use casual language with him.
Hyungwon gives a little nod to your roommate in acknowledgement, and waits until you draw the curtain separating the room, before he speaks.
“I have a magazine shooting next month, and these are the set of questions they’re gonna ask me.” He says, putting the big envelope he had in his clutches on the top of your desk after he takes his seat. “I need help coming up with answers.”
Hyungwon was usually one of the few members who always comes to use the opportunity; the artists are free to ask the writers for help with answers they’ll give for their interviews, and Hyungwon always makes full use of the opportunity, and Shownu and Wonho occasionally drop by too, as well.
You’re always happy to be asked for help, but today, you find yourself sweat-dropping at the thought. You were so sleepy, the only reason you’re not dozing off is because you had forced yourself not to sit down.
“Why?”
“What?”
“You’re usually always excited when I ask for something like this, so why today?”
Ouch. Sometimes, much like you can read the boy’s faces and know what’s going on, they can sometimes do the same for you, too.
“Well, you see....”
“Have you been getting enough sleep?”
Double ouch. You knew the boys - at least, most of them - were good observers, but you didn’t expect Hyungwon to catch on so easily.
“I actually do get enough sleep, but these days, I feel extra sleepy for an hour or so after I wake up.”
This makes Hyungwon chuckle, putting the papers back inside the envelope and turning back to you.
“Welcome to the life of every human being. You sound like you’ve been babied too much.” He has to say, and you watch the way he gets up from his seat and places the envelope inside one of your drawers.
“Let’s get some breakfast.”
“W-What?!”
This makes the male raise an eyebrow, glancing around the room as if he was unsure if it really was you who said that.
“You’re acting as if we have never gone out for a meal together.”
“Well…” You say, because you’ve actually gone with him a couple of times over the four years you’ve been assigned to them.
That was probably because the boys enjoyed ordering in mostly, and eating at their own free times.
Anyhow, it was only a few times, so it definitely did surprise you.
“Okay. Where do we go?”
“I’m in the mood for some eggs and sausages, do you have anything you want to eat?”
“Hey, we’re gonna split the bill okay!?” You hurry to race Hyungwon outside, who goes out in a very knowing way, one that was like a deja vu of the times when he’d butt in when you’re trying to innocently pay for your delivered lunch tray and he’d ask to tab it over to him.
Kihyun was right, he really was different from the way most Monbebe actually looked up at him.
At the restaurant, Hyungwon takes his mask off only after you two are seated at one of the sectioned booths and have ordered your food.
“The pandemic isn’t good, but this is the only thing that I enjoy about it.” He admits, eyes going over to the lack of people inside the place which would usually be filled to the brim with office workers trying to grab a quick breakfast.
“This pandemic has made me a sleepyhead like you.”
“Hey!”
You find yourself smiling so hard around Hyungwon because during breakfast and after you had forcibly paid for you two, on your way back when he offers to buy you coffee - and even remembers your usual order - and the next two hours he spent with you while you helped him write answers and edit what he wrote, it really does not feel like he’s a celebrity at all; but more so as a close friend who makes you feel warm in ways you’ve never felt before.
“Why?”
You snap out from your little trance and go back to typing your script on the laptop, when he interrupts you.
“Why are you smiling? What kind of madness of a show are you writing now?!”
“Hey! Don’t accuse me of writing madness when your Monbebe loves it so much!”
“Yah, that’s too much! Our Monbebe will love us anyway even if you show them us being normal!”
You giggle, because really. When has Monsta X ever been normal?
---
The next day, right after you wake up, you’re working on the itinerary for Monsta X’s upcoming vacation show - a little too late, you had to admit, and that too, when you’re feeling so desperately sleepy like you’ve been feeling lately every morning.
Dawon had gone out to grab breakfast with some of the other staff, and you’re munching on your melon bread, knowing well that the espresso shot you’ve had just a while ago won’t last you for more than 15 minutes.
And it doesn’t.
In fact, you’re actually snoring when your phone rings loudly, making you lift your sorry face up from your laptop keyboard and answering as soon as you pick up the phone.
“Yes, Manager-nim? I’ll send you the itinerary in fifteen minutes!” You say the impossible, because your task in barely done, and you had a feeling you’d fall back onto the laptop keyboard the second the manager hangs up the call.
The sound of familiar chuckling makes you raise an eyebrow and glance at your phone, horrified to see Hyungwon’s name on the display.
“I need it in ten minutes, not fifteen.” He says in a heavy voice, and it makes you huff in embarrassment, glad that he couldn’t see you.
“Very funny, Hyungwon. What did you need?”
“Nothing. Just wanted to wake you up.”
“I was up!”
This makes him laugh yet again, and you sigh, typing on the keyboard as you think about what good excuse you can say.
“If you were up, you wouldn’t have thought I was your manager.”
You let out a little groan, connecting your headphones to the phone so you could multitask while speaking to the male.
“Really, now, Hyungwonnie, what did you really want? Is there something you wanted to ask again?”
“No, I really just called to wake you up.”
“Well. Isn’t that sweet of you.” You say, sarcastically.
The mini banter and sarcastic comments continue for about ten minutes, by which you’d even finished up the itinerary.
So, even if he did laugh at your sleepyhead behaviour - as if he could talk - you made sure to thank him before you go out to take the printouts and finish off your task.
---
And then, that becomes a ritual.
Hyungwon calls you every day at 8 am, right when you’ve signed in for work and are about to head to get some coffee.
He makes small talk with you, talks about little episodes he’d had, and listens to your ideas.
After the first week, you don’t feel sleepy even if you don’t get the coffee; and you don’t even get sleepy after he hangs up.
Every day, it feels like he’s prepared something new, because he makes you laugh so hard that your sleep completely vanishes.
In fact, after a couple of days, he searches up English songs on Genie Music and sings, butchering up a lot of the lyrics on purpose - you know it’s on purpose because Hyungwon has a really good pronunciation when he tries.
One day, you’re butchering up the lyrics of a song along with Hyungwon while you’re writing talk segments for Monsta X’s comeback showcase. Your roommate has been giving you funny looks recently, especially after she asked who was calling you every day and you couldn’t lie and told her it was Hyungwon.
The sudden sound of your door flying wide open and a blonde Lee Minhyuk barrelling into your room makes you stop your singing.
“Oh. So it was you, huh.” He has to say, making himself comfortable on your beanbag chair, and drawing the cloth partition between your room when Dawon - your roommate - keeps staring.
Really, Minhyuk does not know what filters are supposed to be.
“What do you mean?” You ask, and from your headphone, Hyungwon hears his friend’s voice, so he dismisses the call after saying he’ll see you again later.
“So it was you Hyungwonie has been getting up every morning to sing his heart out, huh?”
You stare at him, baffled. “Well, he does sing some normal songs, but he mostly sings crack-”
“He usually never wakes up on his own even if he has schedules, and now he has an alarm to call you every day? What, are you guys dating or something?”
“Yah, Minhyuk, what are you saying!!” You hiss, horrified, because the cloth partition does little to block out sounds from the other side.
“I always tell people if they like someone, to stop being so obvious and just ask them out. It’s easy!!”
“It’s not easy and omg shut up!! He’s just calling me because he’s waking me up, he’s just being kind!”
“Hyungwon never wakes up for us, he’s never kind to us, then! And he’s always still sleepy even if he wakes you up, because he goes straight back to bed after he wakes you up!”
You sigh out loud in frustration, shaking your head. “Come on. What did you want, Minhyukkie?”
Minhyuk gives you a knowing smile before he shakes his head, handing you the binded notebook he had in his clutches.
“You’ll give me a read-over, right? I told you about the radio-show I’m gonna start hosting in a few weeks, right? The concept is clear, but I have some topics I want to talk about and I made some scripts about how I could continue the talk.”
“You got it. I’ll need some time, though, how does Thursday sound?”
“Perfect. Thanks!” He gives you a flying kiss that makes you laugh, and then he’s out as fast as he came barreling in.
---
You expected Hyungwon to stop the calling after the confining to your room rule gets lifted up and you’ve started to go to the office for work.
But he doesn’t, and he sounds as if he’s never been as prepared before as he is now.
Even when the comeback is near and he must be practising into the late hours of the night, he never misses a single day.
A few days before the comeback, you find him having lunch with Shownu, and it’s the first time you’ve seen him in a while - and you hadn’t seen his new hair till then too.
For the first time in the four years you’ve been assigned to work with Monsta X, you take a good look at Hyungwon.
A really, really good look.
At first, he hadn’t noticed you, and while you’re refilling your water bottle with chilled water, you notice the way he’s smiling a little while he listens to what Shownu is saying. The way he uses his hand to brush the fringe of his hair he’s dyed blonde is attractive for the first time - and you’d always thought he was a really, really handsome young man… But this is the first time he looks so attractive that you feel like you’re in a daze, staring at him until chilled water fills up your bottle and pours on your fingers, finally catching your attention.
What gives?
The little yelp you let out makes both Shownu and Hyungwon glance over at you - noticing you for the first time. Hyungwon’s eyes go wide, the top of his palm going up to cover his mouth.
“Ah, [Name]-ah. How are you?” Shownu calls over to you, ever so naturally, and you greet him with a smile when it looks like he’s motioning for you to come over.
“I haven’t seen you in a while. Are you doing well?”
“I’m doing good, Hyunwoo-oppa. You guys must be working super hard for the comeback, right?” You say, glancing at Hyungwon, and for the first time ever, you think he’s actually… blushing ?!
It makes you flustered, thinking about what Minhyuk had talked to you about, while he accused you two of dating. Really, Minhyuk had no filters, it never fails to drive you insane sometimes.
“Yeah! You can expect a lot, please do support us a lot!”
You turn to look at Shownu, beaming at his friendly and charming smile before you excuse yourself and head back before you felt your head would explode.
Now, what the heck was that all about!?
Whatever it was, you were definitely going to blame Minhyuk for this!
---
It absolutely surprises you when Hyungwon doesn’t fail to call you, even the following morning.
You guess you had just imagined it in your head yesterday when Hyungwon looked flustered to see you.
Stupid Minhyuk! It was all in your head after all.
“Now that today’s dumb song segment is over,” Hyungwon says, after he sings a butchered up version of Pretty Please, “I’m gonna sing a song from our album!”
“Oh? Will that be okay?”
“Well, you’ll hear the album preview later today, so, why not?” He has to say. “It’s one of my favorites from the album.”
And then, he sings up to the second chorus of Beautiful Night - a song you fall in love with instantly, because the lyrics are so beautiful and Hyungwon sings as if he’s doing so with his whole soul. It almost makes your eyes teary, and you can barely tell him that you love it, before you have to excuse yourself with a little lie.
Since when did Hyungwon’s voice sound this emotional? It’s been over four years, but his voice has always been the same, beautiful voice as before. You open up Genie music, playing some of the older albums, listening to Hyungwon’s voice in the songs, and you feel like you’ve missed out this side of Hyungwon completely, this madly romantic side of him that sounds so sincere that it makes your heart race.
What is going on, seriously…
---
As the days pass by, the little tingle in your heart whenever you see or hear Hyungwon keeps on getting more and more painful.
In fact, by the end of Monsta X’s three-week promotions for Fantasia X, hearing Hyungwon singing songs for you become almost unbearably sad.
Despite having to wake up earlier, or even having to excuse himself in the middle of getting his hair and makeup done, he makes sure to call you - even if you’re sitting and listening to him when he’s in the same room as you are in.
You realize you can’t hold out your expressions if it’s in front of him, so you make sure to get up and go away somewhere when Hyungwon’s call arrives every day at 8 am on the dot.
It’s a warm Saturday morning, and you’re on your bed, your earpods on and listening to Fantasia X on Genie when Hyungwon’s call of the day arrives.
Today, it’s different.
Usually, he sings a trot song, or a really ugly version of an English song with the hopes of making you laugh so much that your sleep completely vanishes.
But today, he doesn’t say anything and immediately starts to sing soulfully; today, he sings Newton, one of your absolute favorite songs by the group, and…
The way he sings it is so, so sad .
Something inside your heart feels like it is burning, and unknowingly, your eyes brim with tears, because…
All the things Minhyuk had told you, all the things you’ve been thinking about Hyungwon lately, all the little glances he sends your way and then looks away when he sees you’re watching…
You feel your emotions going haywire, and your wishful thinking makes you start crying and you pray to god that Hyungwon, who’s singing the chorus so beautiful and sincerely does not notice.
It’s almost unbearable, and you take off your earpods and have him on speaker, thankful that he doesn’t notice you’ve reached for tissues to wipe your tears.
Since when did I start feeling this way about him?
How can I think this way about one of the members I work for?
Why does Hyungwon sing as if he’s singing just for me, and only me?
Why does it feel like we are never able to meet eyes now?
You have so many questions and no answers, and your hands are shaking as you try to press record on your phone because he sounds so, so beautiful and your crying is not helping you in focusing on his sincere singing.
It is at this moment that the door to your room flies open, and your roommate, Dawon enter the room, then freezes when she sees you crying.
“What’s going on?!”
You’re only able to hand over the phone to her, and mumble a little “Please record it for me” through your sobs.
Dawon looks very confused, raising an eyebrow when she looks at the receiver and sees that it is Hyungwon, on the call.
At that moment, Hyungwon wraps up his singing, clearing his throat a little and speaks for the first time today.
“[Name]-ah.”
You find yourself sniffling, glancing at Dawon who looks visibly upset now… and you can’t even blame her…
“[Name]-ah.” He calls your name again, and this is one of the things that makes you sad in regards to Hyungwon, because… He is a member of Monsta X, one of the manlier groups in the industry for sure, but… He��s so gentle and sweet, a kind-hearted soul, and he does not lack in anything, as he has proudly claimed so.
Even the way he calls your name out is so gentle that it makes more tears stream down your face, and you’re almost scared at how to answer whatever Hyungwon would ask from you.
“[Name]-ah. I have something I have to tell you, in person.”
Your eyes meet with Dawon, who now looks wide-eyed, and you were sure you would probably look the same.
“I… I have to tell you this in person, so, if you… If you’re willing, would you like to… go for dinner with me today?”
More tears stream down your face, and now you know you can never look Dawon in the eyes either so you bury your face on one of your pillows, heart aching too much to do anything else.
“Hyungwon-ssi.”
Dawon speaks into the speakerphone, and it makes you glance at her, wondering what she was going to say.
Hyungwon replies with a loud ‘Huh?’ in confusion.
“Hyungwon-ssi, I’m sorry, but [Name] is outside and she left her phone here.”
Dawon looks at you, lips pressed into a thin line. You feel so uneasy, and it felt like Hyungwon felt the same, because he starts to stammer.
“Wh-Wha? What?! If [Name] wasn’t the one who answered, then wh- Whaaaaa!” You hear a loud whine before the call gets disconnected with a quick mumble of “Sorry!”.
Dawon hurls the phone at your bed, and leaves the room without a word, and it pains your heart so much that you feel like you’ll die.
A text message pops up on your phone a little while later and seeing the text makes you feel a little dizzy, even.
‘If you’re freely going to allow other people to roam through your phone even, I don’t think I have any other choice but to come to see you right away.’
What?
Wait, does he mean-
You hurry to grab your phone and iPad, wiping your face as best as you could and going out of your room. You find Minhyuk and Kihyun using the Xbox in the lounge, so you quietly take a seat near them, greeting them and opening up your iPad without another word.
“[Name]-ah, why do you look so weird?”
“Yah, Minhyuk, how can you say something so rude?!”
You shake your head and give a weak smile at the two, opening up your notepad and leaning against the couch.
A moment passes by, and Minhyuk moves closer to you on the couch, so close that you actually move a little back as well.
“What?”
“I finished my game with Kihyunnie. So. Why? Why do you look so sad? Did Hyungwonie hurt you?”
Now, you’ve been doing a good job of not crying since you got out of the room, but seeing Minhyuk’s worried face and then remembering Hyungwon’s words - along with Minhyuk hitting a bullseye right away… All of that combine together and it makes you start to cry again.
“Wha? Hey?!” Minhyuk looks very startled, and he usually never looks surprised like he doesn’t know what to do, but today he looks like he’s at a dead end, and you allow him to grab your hand and tell Kihyun he’ll be right back, before he hurries to drag you over to the other end of the lounge near the vending machines.
“Yah, what is going on with you lately? Hyungwon really said something mean to you, didn’t he? Sheesh. Acting like he’s in love with you and then making you cry like this? I didn’t expect him out of everyone to behave this way.”
The more Minhyuk spoke, the worse you felt, and you’re barely able to ask him if he could be kind enough to leave you alone for a second when you hear a familiar voice calling your name.
“[Name]-ah…. Minhyuk-ah?!”
You and Minhyuk glance up to see Hyungwon approaching you, and you hurry to take your hand away from Minhyuk’s clutch.
Really, Hyungwon couldn’t have caught a worse timing.
Minhyuk shoots you a sad look, then gets up from his seat, goes to say something to Kihyun, then the two of them leave while Kihyun glances at you with a worried look on his face. You can’t get yourself to look at Hyungwon, so you’re looking at your hands, fingers fumbling while Hyungwon stands in his spot in front of you, not saying a single word.
More tears fall down your face when you remember Minhyuk’s words - and how wrong was he to assume the worst from the sweetest person you know, and it pains your heart because you knew if you looked in his eyes, you wouldn’t be able to stop crying.
“Why?”
Hyungwon says a single word, and honestly, that was the only thing you didn’t have an answer for.
Why were you crying?
You didn’t know.
Why can’t you look at Hyungwon?
You had no clue.
Why did Minhyuk know right away?
That too, you didn’t know at all.
Why can’t you answer him?
You had no reason.
So instead, you find tears streaming down your face, and you wish you could leave, but you felt like you owed Hyungwon at least this much, to hear what he had to say even if you felt like something was cutting through your heart.
“Stand up.”
It’s the first time you’ve heard him ask you to do something in that voice, an angry, impatient voice you’ve never imagined you’d ever be on the receiving end for.
“[Name]-ah.”
You hum in response, eyes on the ground. Hyungwon lets out an exhale and you can feel your hands trembling because it’s while you’re looking at his shoes with an aching heart, that you realize something you’ve been wishing so hard was not true.
You were in love with Chae Hyungwon.
Out of completely nowhere, so naturally.... You were so madly in love with Chae Hyungwon; so much that looking at him now would be too much to take, now.
“You heard everything I said, didn’t you?”
Now, that’s something you didn’t expect to hear from him. He had sounded so worried and embarrassed on the phone so you didn’t think he would have any suspicious, but here he was, showing you that he certainly did.
It makes you look up at his face for the first time today, and it pains your heart.
It paints your heart, because he’s wearing clothes with a lot of creases - something he’s been wearing to sleep, and he has on a beanie that covers most of his messy-looking hair, and he’s looking at you with puffy eyes and a frown that hurts so much to look at.
You couldn’t bear to look at him anymore so you shake your head in response. Hyungwon looks visibly disappointed, like he knew right away that you were lying. You think he has something more he wants to say, because his lips part a little… And then, he lets out a sigh and shakes his head as well.
“If you are this burdened by how I feel, then…” Hyungwon’s voice trails off, taking a step back and then turning around. You watch the way he walks out of the lounge without a word, and if you felt like you’d never been more hurt before, you were completely wrong, because nothing pained your heart more than watching the male leave like that, as if he had so much to say and couldn’t…. Just like how you felt while you sink back on the couch and cry your heart out.
And from that day onwards, Hyungwon doesn’t call you again.
-----
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Daily Blog #6: August 13, 2021
Okay, okay, I know it's a couples days later, but I can assure you that I did not forget; I purposefully, and kinda without a better option, didn't post on Friday, and you'll see why.
So the day started off pretty regularly: I got up, ate breakfast, got a shower, and then sat around playing games and watching YouTube for a bit.
That was until my friend showed up at my house...
He called me and said to come outside, so I did.
It wasn't long until I got into his car, and we started driving.
I definitely should have been more anxious or nervous heading out, but for some reason, I just sat there with my head absentmindedly poking out the window, not really thinking about it.
I really wish I had grasped the situation a little better.
We got down there after an hour and a half of driving and we parked a bit away because there were so many people there, so many people there, in fact, that we just got some food until it calmed down again.
It was gonna be a great fucking concert.
Hella Mega Tour 2021, originally supposed to be Hella Mega Tour 2020, but postponed for obvious reasons.
We shopped for a tiny bit beforehand, not buying anything, and then headed over to the stadium 45 minutes before the concert was set to start. We were let in about 10 minutes later, and we filled our contraband water bottles that we managed to hide on the way in.
We sat there for a bit, me just listening to music on my Redmi Buds 3 pro.
I love these things.
Pretty soon the music started, and it was The Interrupters; everyone was feeling pretty lazy for this bit.
It's not like they were bad or anything, they were actually pretty good, but I guess everyone was just getting situated and didn't wanna bother using up all of their energy lol.
So The Interrupters' set is up, and they tear down the stage and reset it. Before too terribly long, Weezer starts up, and there's a lot bigger reaction from the crowd than there was before: people knew the songs, like Africa, Buddy Holly, Beverly Hills, and Feels Like Summer to name a few.
I was getting into it a bit, I knew a good few of the songs, I was moving along, I sang a bit, took some video.
What's cool is that I could feel myself moving along the scale, like going from no excitement while no one was playing, then tapping my foot and grooving to The Interrupters.
When Weezer first came on, I was just sitting there like, "alright, this is good shit." Towards the end, I was quietly singing Buddy Holly, their last song for the night.
I say quietly because there was a lot more loudness to come.
I should add that, up until this point, the music had been kinda unbearably loud, the highs really piercing and hitting hard.
Additionally, up until this point, I had been trying my best to document the concert with videos and audio recordings; it wasn't so much about enjoying the concert, for I've always been taught just to record stuff and not worry about the concert.
I don't think I've ever really enjoyed any of the concerts I've ever been to; I was there, but I wasn't. I didn't really know too many of the songs, and I had only listened to the artists in passing, not to mention the fact that my mother had been at every other concert I've been to, which is stifling in itself. I really can't enjoy anything when she's around.
But here we were; it was starting to get dark, and Fall out Boy was coming onstage. The crowd was getting into it with Weezer, and it was time for Fall Out Boy. The energy here had far exceeded both Weezer and The Interrupters, and this went for me as well.
I was sitting there, singing along and still occasionally recording, but I didn't have my phone out too much. I started to dance in my seat with every song, for I knew almost every one: Sugar, We're Going Down, Centuries, My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark, Grand Theft Autumn/Where is Your Boy, The Last of the Real Ones, Save Rock And Roll, and Dance, Dance being a few.
Throughout this set, everyone was singing along, but the real fun had yet to begin; the scent of smoke from the flames and fireworks finding its way through the crowd, the music now strong instead of piercing, a sense of unity between everyone in this packed stadium, between people of all walks of life: men, women, children, transgender, cisgender, non-binary, gay, straight, lesbian, ace, black, white, Asian, Mexican, young, old, middle-aged, and everything in between and outside... It didn't matter who you were or where you came from; you were at a fucking party, and everyone was gonna fuck it up once the main act came on stage.
Meanwhile, everyone was more than happy to celebrate with Fall Out Boy and some of their greatest and most memorable tracks.
Part way through Fall Out Boy's set, I decided to get off of my ass and join the growing number of audience members who were really getting into the groove and feeling the music.
It was so close to becoming an explosion of energy once Fall Out Boy was about to leave the stage.
After they left, the set was torn down once again and set up for Green Day.
Their was a low mix of music playing through the speakers all the while things were being set up. Once the stage was set, the music continued for a bit, but was then cut and replaced with a voice and lyrics that everyone knew immediately.
"Is this the real life. Is this just fantasy."
The crowd sings along to every word.
"Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality."
Freddie's voice poured out into the crowd, and the crowd sang them right back.
"Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see"
The song continued, and the whole crowd sang to the very end.
This really goes to show how impactful some people and groups can be on our lives... Although no one at the show was connected to Queen or Freddie Mercury, everyone who came to see these 4 bands still knew this great group.
Once the song was over, a mix of some of the most famous rock anthems began to play:
"We will, we will rock you"
"I love rock and roll"
"Hey, Ho, let's go"
A glorious piece all lead up to the 4 running onstage, Billie Joe Armstrong, Jason White, Mike Dirnt, and Tre Cool, joined now by 2 new members, Jason Freese and Kevin Preston.
All at once, it was an explosion of strong and passionate guitar jamming, soon followed by the drums and vocals of American Idiot. All at once, the crowd was rocking along with bopping heads, stomping feet, and swaying bodies. I only had my phone out to record for a short moment before I put it away and scarcely removed it from my pants for the rest of the concert.
I couldn't help but feel cocky, as a bi/pansexual (idk which one lmao), being allowed to sing the line,
"Well maybe I'm the faggot America"
I was like, "You straight bastards better not be singing that line 🤣"
It was absolutely incredible; the crowd cheered passionately and wholeheartedly at the end of every song and solo, after every quote from the band.
The coolest part about the concert was the fact that everyone just lost themselves in the music, as well as that everyone, without hesitation, followed what Billie Joe said. He says jump? WE FUCKING JUMPED. He tells us to scream? We. Fucking. Screamed. And when he wanted us to sing, we sang. I mean, okay, we were singing the whole time xD. I'm sure we would've sang if he told us to and we weren't already doing so lmao. What he said was our law, and we were doing our jobs as the dutiful citizens of Suburbia by following those laws.
It really is hard to express the level of pure energy at this gathering, especially when it radiates from every point in the packed stadium.
I screamed so loud and hard, and sang so long and passionately, that my voice started to go. But. Guess. What.
When you're at a place like this, no matter what, you just have this insatiable urge to keep going no matter what. When my arm got tired of throwing my fist in the air, I kept fucking going and even used the other arm too.
It's such a strange feeling when you feel like you're about to give out, like your voice is gonna break, or you're gonna collapse from dehydration and exhaustion, but you find around you the strength and power to keep on going, no matter how quickly your vocal health deteriorates.
Ask my friend, I couldn't speak properly after that shit xD. He even threatened to send a video of me talking to my choral teacher, who honestly would have been mad at me lmao.
Meanwhile, Green Day is playing some of their greatest hits, old and new alike, and I knew every single fucking one of them. I sang every song, and only took a break between 2 of them to down my whole bottle of contraband water in 3 seconds flat.
At one point, the band stopped playing, and Billie spoke into the microphone.
"Get your pretty lights out. I wanna see the pretty lights."
Everyone got their phones out and turned the torches on, as per his command.
"Turn the house lights off."
The lights go off, and the stadium is lit up almost as bright as it had been before, but this time with the lights of thousands.
"Look at that."
It was honestly an incredible moment.
That brings me to another point: when you go to a concert, you're not just paying for the music, you're not just paying to see a band, you're paying for an experience.
Let me tell you, this was one hell of an experience.
If you don't leave a concert feeling fulfilled, then the performers didn't do their job of giving you the experience that you paid to be a part of. I'm so happy that these four bands, especially Green Day, were able to deliver.
I really did love every moment of that show, which is such a rarity for me. I'm really happy that my friend took my mother's place. I can't fucking enjoy everything when she's around.
Oh yes, it wouldn't be one of my daily blogs without me talking about how my mother consistently pisses me off. Don't worry, I have some happy shit left to end on.
I swear to fluff though, she always manages to ruin everything for me. When we went to see The Lion King on Broadway, she insisted on coming with. That meant that I wasn't able to relax in my seat because this disgusting woman was sitting next to me and I had to cram myself to the side of my chair away from her. It meant that I wasn't allowed to cry when Mufasa died or during Can You Feel The Love Tonight because I knew I'd get made fun of for it.
I even went to a Fall Out Boy concert before, her refusing to let me go myself, and I didn't sing a single song because she'd just tell me to let the professionals handle it.
And for fuck's sake, the time she compared me trying to fucking validate my existence as a trans person to her wanting a car... That will always fucking piss me off.
Sorry, I got sidetracked. I was talking about how she ruins everything for me.
I literally cannot be myself around her. I've always been judged and ridiculed by my parents, and still am. I can't enjoy anything when they're around because I'm too focused on trying not to get made fun of or yelled at.
That being said, that concert was absolutely fucking incredible. I was with thousands of people who felt the same way that I did, and I could fucking jam out if I wanted to.
Apart from everyone being really on top of their game, and Billie Joe basically not aging since he turned 25, the only really notable thing left to say about the performance was when they pulled a kid guitarist onstage. He played for a bit, and they ended up letting him keep the guitar lmao.
BEST PART IS:
I SAW THE KID AFTER THE CONCERT, AND I WAS LIKE,
"Omg, hey, can I get a selfie with you?"
I was trying to be really low-key and quiet cuz I didn't wanna draw too much attention to him lmao.
The security guard was like, "Yeah, sure, but hurry up."
I TOOK THE PIC REALLY QUICKLY AND THEN HEADED OUT
HERE IT IS
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YES, OF COURSE I BLOCKED OUT MY FACE
But I absolutely love the vibes of this photo xD. It's blurry, the lighting is shit, and you can barely make out any details. It has a lot of character, and I would take this over a clean, clear photo any day.
Walking away, the kid's mom said, "You're like, the coolest kid ever now."
Agreed.
Then it was time to go home. Honestly, I didn't feel sad that it didn't last longer, or disappointed that I had to leave. I was actually very satisfied and fulfilled with what happened, which is honestly the way it should be.
Driving home, I stayed awake by sticking my arm out of the window and letting the cold rain hit fast like tiny needles.
I got home.
I passed out.
Although, that was technically on Saturday 🤔
ANYWAY, THIS IS MY LONG ASS BLOG FOR FRIDAY THE 13TH
I hope you enjoyed
Be good people!!!!
-Leonna
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petekaos · 4 years
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What did you think about the last episode!!
hi hi! so uhhh... this is going to get long and i’ve combined like 10 other asks i want to address, so your ask may be answered here! if you want Rahul’s Take On The 2gether Finale, then brace yourself.
...I didn't really like the last episode, I feel like it could've been a lot better/more emotional
I dunno if it's because I didn't like the last 2 episodes but even though the show literally finished I'm not emotional? The last episode I felt actually really happy watching was ep 9 but now I'm just 'ok, that show finished.' I'm sad bc I thought I would have a stronger reaction to the ending and them getting back together but I'm just meh :/
Really don't want to sound like those annoying people but damn really no kiss scene
I liked the ending, it was okay I guess but gmmtv better prepare for a shitstorm bc so many people didn't lololol
Honestly the best and well written episodes were ones where they still weren't a couple, like 8 and 9 were amazing
Although the finale was good, I feel llke in the future when I want to rewatch my favorite moments from this series, I will go for the first 10 or so episodes more often than not. It kinda feels like 2gether peaked around episodes 7-10, which is perfectly fine!! It was all in all a great series that did what it wanted to do and I’ll always cherish it but, I probably won’t rewatch much of the last two episodes
They made pam even worse!! Before she had her talk with tine anyway!!
My thoughts on the finale: could've been a lot better, could've been a lot worse
2Gether really felt like a giant inflatable castle that was carefully blown up for the past 12 weeks only to let it rapidly and poorly deflate in the end
The ending was fine and was expected but for me it's underwhelming in the sense that the past episodes, especially 4, 8 and 9 were really written in comparison so the finale is kinda meh bc I knew there was gonna be a happy ending. But still the YouTube comments and what some people on tumblr are saying is ridiculous, I don't want to even think about Twitter but imo I don't think any of gmmtvs other shows can top dbks ending like that ending was perfect,
i honestly love that 2gether focused so much on the story and the emotion and became so successful without all the usual fan service. i hope the whole industry takes something away from that! but i still felt like the finale was a little emotionally stunted when it came to tine/sarawat. i just wanted a big YES, I CHOOSE YOU moment, and tine's reappearance and the bracelet scene just didn't do it for me. you know what would have, though? a kiss. or a hug, or holding hands, or something sweet
okay, my friends! here is my opinion on the 2gether finale first, and then i’m gonna address what i personally hold of the more negative response the fandom has shown. i generally thought the finale had... a solid ending. i went into it with absolutely no expectations apart from sarawat’s song and a happy ending, because i knew it would be messy and not as good as ep 4 or 9 etc, considering the sheer amount of open storylines that were left to be resolved in one episode. i knew it would polarise the fandom--but i personally thought the ending was fine! a bit cliche, a bit rushed, but it was okay and it was a good enough ending for me to put 2gether behind me, the first season at least. the bracelet scenes and shots were amazing, the song was incredible (although i wish they would have had sarawat sing a bit more), the conversation pam and tine had was solid as well! there were a lot of things i liked about the finale and bright and win killed their solo acting as always. however, there are some things i wanna get into more detail about that i feel could have been done better, not only as a finale but as a show itself.
time allocated for the storylines. or: plotlines in general. this has been my bone to pick ever since episode 10. not gonna lie, this wasn’t good, especially from ep 10 onwards. there were so many storylines and plotlines that were dragged out further than necessary, and so many plotlines that should have started earlier. best example for this is mil and phukong, the mil redemption storyline should have started in ep 10 and should have had him be sincere for once, and the mil/phukong storyline should have actually made sense from the beginning and started in ep 11 at the latest. the mantype storyline should have also started a bit earlier than that and given us an explanation as to why type was crying at the retreat. however, mantype did pull it off!
writing! this ties in with the first point. the writing felt a bit inconsistent in the last two episodes and it’s a pity, really, that this is one of the downfalls :/ all the actors in this series, from the mains (bright, win, mike, toptap, frank, drake) to the side characters (gunsmile, love, gigie, film, etc.) are such good actors and it’s unfortunate that the last three episodes were a bit :// in terms of writing and plotlines. they all did the best they could with what was written and that... yeah.
conflict. this has to do with the first two points. the finale felt rushed. that’s something that i don’t think anyone really can argue? and i expected that, so i wasn’t too disappointed by it or anything. obviously it would have felt rushed considering the fact that they had to wrap up 3 or 4 episodes’ worth of storylines in one episode, which was a blunder on the writers’ part. the conflict fell flat, then. if they had had pam come in earlier and had tine and sarawat spend more time away from each other, we would have gotten an explosive reaction. i really do think that after they got together for real, the writers struggled to find conflict to keep the story going, jumping from tine’s insecurities to mil to pam for no reason whatever. i think it would have been much better done if we had mil as an antagonist wrapped up and on the road to redemption in ep 10 and had pam come in there, with tine’s insecurities as a b plot. i feel that would have been a bit more gripping. but, hey, guess that’s just me!
order of filming. this has to do with people saying that brightwin’s chemistry was off in the finale. i don’t think it was off, per se, but it was definitely lacking when we compare it to their chemistry in ep 4 or 9 or 10, y’know? that’s because i believe the finale was filmed earlier, when bright and win were still getting to know each other and figuring out how well they could improv. and they can improv, from what we’ve seen! so there really is nothing i can say apart from the fact that it’s a bit disappointing that they decided to film such a pivotal scene at the beginning. if it had been filmed in the end, it would have definitely been better!
flashbacks. the finale needed all the time it was gonna get, and i am disappointed by the amount of flashbacks they used, honestly. i would have cut down on the number of sarawatine flashbacks and used them sparingly when they reunited, because that just... makes sense and evokes emotion in the viewer, you know? the only flashbacks that served well were type’s view of everything and phukong and mil, because they were new. it just... felt a bit inauthentic.
pam. or: the girls in general. there is nothing i can do here but SCREAM. pam should have come in way earlier and replaced mil as the centre point of conflict for ep 11 and 12 to have been as good as the rest of the show, or ep 4 and 9 at least. her character fell so flat and the conflict she brought with her fell so flat as well, honestly. the girls should have been done better--more of earn and sarawat! more of pear! they could have tied into the plot effortlessly!
mil and phukong x mil. yeah this is a... whole ass bulletpoint, unfortunately. call me a clown all you want for expecting him to have at least a half assed redemption arc in the finale but goddamn was that... not good. really bitter over the fact phukong was straight up okay with being a “replacement” for tine even though... that doesn’t even make sense. i just... yeah, this wasn’t good. i feel super bad for frank and drake because they deserve a well written show or at the very least a well written storyline for all of their chemistry and work they put in, considering the fact that they are so so young. i could go on about a good mil arc for ages but i just... yeah i’m writing a fic, so y’all will see.
the reunion. this stems from the flat conflict and the rushed-ness of it all, but yeah. it wasn’t particularly hard-hitting, but i still enjoyed it because it’s sarawat and tine. this has to do with when they filmed as well, and just... because the angst didn’t start early enough for it to hit home. and i really do wish we’d had a scene after that with the both of them, alone. a lot of their things happen with a lot of people around them... and nah.
one year later. bro. bro. bro. the music club thing was cute! but i would have just... loved to see them alone, y’know? a scene of them being alone and intimate, just sitting next to each other on the couch or at a football game or sarawat continuing bringing the cheerleaders snacks, even a year later. them going to another concert. anything where they were just... alone. i wanted to see them together! we got that with mantype and we even got that fucking... scene on the roof where mil and phukong were just fuckin around? yeah? i would have loved to see that with sarawat and tine so much. (also btw pretty sure the rooftop scenes with mil and phukong is also where drake and frank took this photo and it made me so happy dhsndh like... the shot where mil took his hand off phukong’s eyes? i called it immediately and my partner was like ???)
intimacy. chemistry. the biggest thing everyone is talking about. now comes the part that y’all all wanted to know if you’ve been reading this far lmfao, my take on the fact that was no kiss in the finale! and my take is... i expected there to be no kiss in the finale somewhere deep within, and honestly i’m fine with not having a kiss. my only problems with all of this are first of all, that we didn’t get a proper kiss in the entire series and had sarawat kissing tine one-sidedly. secondly, i would have loved verbal intimacy as well! an i love you, or y’know, some hand holding, anything! this is also due to the fact that i believe the series was filmed relatively early on. i just wish... again, that they would have been alone one year later and we could have just seen them being domestic, as we have already seen them!
so those are some of my thoughts on the finale. considering the fandom’s response... i can see why people are upset or disappointed but i don’t think it’s, like, that justified to throw the whole show away as well. yeah, the ending wasn’t perfect, but if you’ve enjoyed the show as a whole... maybe it’s okay, y’know? like, personally, i don’t think i’m ever going to rewatch the finale. but i do love the earlier episodes and i am gonna watch them back at some point, probably! it’s all well and good and valid to criticise the lack of intimacy and kissing in the finale i guess, but if you’re a straight girl then maybe... watch your words. 2gether has portrayed a wonderful love story between two men and to see straight people throw it away as “bromance” or say it’s the “straightest bl of all time” or whatever because of the lack of kisses is kind of hurtful. i am completely open to discussing this with lgbt people, mlm specifically, and you can come talk to me about your thoughts if you’re a straight woman as well. all i’m asking for is that you maybe show a little bit of empathy and respect, y’know? i also do think 2gether peaked around episode 9/10 and i’m fine with that! it gave me so much more than characters and relationships--it gave me the fandom and everyone here and words cannot express how grateful i am for all of you. maybe the last few episodes were poorly written and the finale wasn’t everything y’all hoped for... but i did and do love this show. i cannot wait to see where brightwin go next.
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dustedmagazine · 4 years
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Dust, Volume 6, Number 10
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The Slugs 
September seemed to be the month when all the records on endless delay finally got kicked out the door, COVID or no, ready or not here we come. We’re deluged with music, some recorded before the world changed, some clearly cooked up mid-pandemic. There are a lot of covers EPs, lots of solo material, lots of home-made lo-fi, lots of benefit comps, and who are we to complain? Better, instead, to reach for the headphones, load up the hard drive, pile on the LPs and do some listening. Here’s some of the stuff that caught our attention, as usual ranging all over the continuum, from traditional to edgy and experimental, from silly pop punk to enraged death metal to bookish electro-acoustic improvisation. Contributors this time out included Jonathan Shaw, Patrick Masterson, Jennifer Kelly, Bill Meyer, Derek Taylor, Ray Garraty, Tim Clarke and Andrew Forell. Happy fall.
Amputation — Slaughtered in the Arms of God (Nuclear War Now!)
Slaughtered in the Arms of God by Amputation
Given the degree of smugness that accompanies utterances of the phrase “Old School Death Metal,” it’s frequently instructive to listen to some. Right on time, the misanthropic bunch at Nuclear War Now! has delivered some seriously Old School sounds to our digital doorstep. This new compilation LP gathers both of the demos of Norwegian knuckle-draggers Amputation, along with a contemporaneous rehearsal recording. Likely the resulting record will be of principal interest to fans of Immortal, the long-running, on-again-off-again Norwegian black metal band that Amputation would morph into in 1991. The songs collected on Slaughtered in the Arms of God have some additional musicological significance, as they document the sounds of 1989 and 1990, transformational years in Norway’s metal scene. Mayhem and Darkthrone tend to get most of the attention, for reasons both good and bad; and like Darkthrone, Amputation made death metal before transitioning to blacker, more brittle sounds. The music on Slaughtered in the Arms of God is muddy, thudding and thick. Perhaps that’s the result of the primitive recording tech the band used, likely of necessity. But through the murk (and to some degree because of it), you can hear the influence of Stockholm’s fecund death metal scene, especially Dismember’s earliest stuff. Scandinavia’s metal currents run deep and dark. Whether that means that Old School Death Metal is intrinsically a good thing is a different matter.
Jonathan Shaw
 Anz — Loose in Twos (NRG) 12” (Hessle Audio)
Loos In Twos (NRG) by Anz
I love the idea of listening to DJ mixes of original or all-new material; it’s probably why I still value, say, Ricardo Villalobos’ Fabric 36 so much. Manchester’s Anna Marie-Odubote, aka Anz, has been doing just such a thing annually since 2015 and really went wild with spring/summer dubs 2020, which compiled 74 tracks into nearly an hour and a half of new music. That would’ve been more than enough amid all of this (imagine me gesturing around vaguely), but “Loos in Twos (NRG)” on the venerable Hessle Audio imprint is an equally formidable, decidedly tighter release I played a lot at the start of September. Three club-ready tracks here break down acid, jungle and footwork, and while all three are heady breaks, the looped vocals and bongo of “Stepper” make it the one for me. Get those feet moving digitally now so they’re comfortable once the vinyl arrives in early October.
Patrick Masterson
 Ashes and Afterglow — Everybody Wants a Revolution (Postlude Paradox)
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Ashes and Afterglow drops pop punk melodies into deep buckets of fuzz, lets them bubble and bob to the surface before shoving them under again. The band is mainly the output of one Luke Daniel, who appears to have been in other band called Sea of Orchids, but neither outfit has left much of an internet trail. And sure, this is the kind of thing that could easily get shuffled under; it breaks no moulds. And yet shuffling “To Take a Look at the World,” has a heart-worn resonance, Daniel’s voice echoing in reverbed hollow-ness against surging tides of guitar noise. “My Yesterday Girl” churns a little harder, with a bright, pop-leaning sort of hopefulness hedged in by seething feedback. It’s not bad, but it never hits a melodic vein the way that similarly inclined artists like Ted Leo or Ovlov or Tony Molina do, and it never pushes the noise over the top, either. Neither pop nor punk but somewhere in middle.
Jennifer Kelly
 Ballister — Znachki Stilyag (Aerophonic)
Znachki Stilyag by Ballister
A cake is still a cake, whether you put chocolate frosting and strawberries or white icing and a fondant roses on top. And while they don’t all taste or look exactly the same, a Ballister album is still a Ballister album, and the first Ballister album in three years does not mess with the recipe. Dave Rempis (alto and tenor saxophones), Fred Lonberg-Holm (cello and electronics), and Paal Nilssen-Love (drums and percussion) still trade in a particularly hard-hitting form of total improvisation. The changes are ones of emphasis — Lonberg-Holm sounds like he’s using a wah-wah pedal and deploys some especially slashing feedback tones, there’s a bit more space in Nilssen-Love’s intricate beat configurations, and Rempis left his baritone sax at home — and of location. Znachki Stilyag was recorded during the fall of 2019 in Moscow, Russia, which may explain why the big horn stayed at home. But the ones you hear still cut and thrust with broadsword force and rapier precision. This is a cake you can trust.
Bill Meyer  
 Vincent Chancey — The Spell: The Vincent Chancey Trio Live, 1987 (No Business) 
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Vincent Chancey likely isn’t alone amongst his peers in feeling exasperated by folks singling out his instrument as uncommon or unusual to jazz. It’s a form of damning through faint praise and one that feel
s even more lackadaisical with any time spent with his music. Chancey plays the French horn and he’s plied it in settings as diverse as Sun Ra Arkestra, Lester Bowie’s Brass Fantasy and Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra as well as gigs supporting Aretha Franklin and Elvis Costello. It’s unclear whether the trio documented on The Spell was a working concern, but that hardly matters given how well bassist Wilbur Morris and percussionist Warren Smith gel with their convener. Spread across two sides of an LP, the concert recorded at a New York City art gallery covers four pieces, two by Morris bookending one apiece from Smith and the leader that stitch together very much like cohesive suite. An unadvertised surprise comes with Smith’s ample application of marimba alongside a regular drum kit. Recording quality isn’t optimal, but Chancey’s rich, rounded, phrases gain extra gravitas through the sometimes-grainy acoustics. Woefully underrepresented in the driver’s seat discographically, his acumen as both improviser and composer is easily vindicated by this limited edition (300 copies) release.
Derek Taylor 
 Che Chen — Tokyo 17.II.2012 (self-released)
Tokyo 17.II.2012 by Che Chen
Nowadays Che Chen has earned a measure renown as the guitar-playing half of 75 Dollar Bill, and all the praise is earned. But before that, he played a roomful of instruments in the True Primes, Heresy of the Free Spirit and duos with Robbie Lee, Tetuzi Akiyama and Chie Mukai. The through-lines to all these efforts is a willingness not to play things the way their supposed to be played, and a gift for supplying the right resonance in any setting. Since 75 Dollar Bill is a New York-based band made for social occasions, the COVID-19 lay-off has been especially hard — so there’s no better time to see what’s in those hard drives in the closet, right? Chen has released this solo concert from 2012 via Bandcamp. In Tokyo for a brief layover, he played amplified violin at a party held in the basement of someone’s apartment building. The amplified part is important; dips and swells of feedback count as much as in this 25-minute performance as the fiddle’s bright, plucked notes and rough, bowed tones. Chen moves purposefully from one mode to next, taking time along the way to savor the room’s lively acoustics.
Bill Meyer
 Jeff Cosgrove/ John Medeski/ Jeff Lederer — History Gets Ahead of the Story (Grizzley Music)
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Odds are that even the estimable William Parker would be surprised by the prospect of a William Parker cover album. But that’s essentially what History Gets Ahead of the Story is as organized and realized by drummer Jeff Cosgrove. That the project is the province of an organ trio only adds to the potential consternation quotient. John Medeski officiates the Hammond B-3 console and saxophonist Jeff Lederer, doubling on flute, completes the combo convened by Cosgrove. The latter’s connections to Parker stem from a trio he was part of with the bassist/composer and pianist Matthew Shipp that disbanded in 2015 after fruitful collaboration. Parker’s personage and music left an indelible mark and the seeds for the present album were sown. Collective creative license doesn’t get in the way of soulful, energizing renderings of such staples as “O’Neal’s Porch,” “Corn Meal Dance” and “Wood Flute Songs,” but troika also cedes time for a triptych of strong originals that align aurally with their dedicatee’s inclusive tone world sensibilities.
Derek Taylor   
 Derelenismo Occulere — Inexorable Revelación (Le Legione Projets)
Inexorable Revelacion (FULL LENGHT 2020) by Derelenismo Occulere
This sounds like a rehearsal gone wrong. In the time of the COVID pandemic, Neo Apolion, a guy responsible for the music in this Ecuadorean duo, recorded a demo and sent it to the band’s vocalist Malduchryst with a message to do with it whatever he wants. Malduchryst took his band partner’s words all too literally. With complete disregard to the music he began vomiting a noisy, messy mass of screams to a microphone (has he never heard of a black metal with no vocals?). If it sounds totally batshit, you can rest assured that it is. This is what makes Inexorable Revelación actually great black metal. When a lot of metal bands these days are just Backstreet Boys with leather jackets on and with guitars, Derelenismo Occulere care about only fury and mayhem. Their Argentinean mix man Ignacio only adds more chaos to the album. The only flaw this tape has is that it is 15 minutes too long.
Ray Garraty  
 Whit Dickey — Morph (ESP-Disk)
Morph by Whit Dickey
Drummer Whit Dickey and pianist Matthew Shipp have been recurrent partners since the early 1990s, when they were both members of the David S. Ware Quartet. It’s fair to say that each man is a known quantity to the other, and that one of the things they know about each other is that they might still be surprised by the other’s playing. Dickey’s retreated from time to time in order to revise his approach, and while Shipp has often threatened to quit recording over the years, he has never stopped working or evolving. This double disc combines one duo CD and another that adds trumpeter Nate Wooley to the pair. Wooley’s done a number of dates with Shipp in recent times, but he and Dickey were musical strangers before they entered Park West Studios in March 2019. Without Wooley, Shipp and Dickey seem very free and trusting of each other, transitioning with dreamlike ease from abstracted gospel to sideways swing to restless co-rumination this the ease. The trio seems more considered. The trumpeter dips quite sparingly into his extended technique bag, favoring instead linear statements that instigate fleet perambulations from the pianist and more supportive, less overtly dialogic contributions from the drummer. Both sessions work, and their differences complement each other quite handily.
Bill Meyer
 Dropdead — S/T (Armageddon)
Dropdead 2020 by Dropdead
Yep, it’s that Dropdead, the Providence-based powerviolence band that hasn’t released a proper LP since 1998 and was on a long hiatus through much of the 21st century. Since 2011, Dropdead has put out a string of splits, with heavyweights like Converge and Brainoil. But a whole record? Maybe the unrelentingly shitty condition of our political and economic conjuncture motivated the four guys in the band (three of whom have been affiliated with Dropdead since 1991) to write the 23 burners, rants and breakdown-heavy hardcore tunes you’ll hear across Dropdead’s 25 minutes. It’s a welcome addition. Bob Otis’s voice doesn’t have the shredding quality of days of yore — but that ends up being useful. You can hear the lyrics, and they’re drenched in venom and righteousness. The rest of the band hasn’t lost a step. Pretty impressive for a bunch of guys with that much grey in their beards. That said, they don’t pull any intergenerational, “we’re-older-and-wiser” moves. This is still music that wants to collapse boundaries, between stage and mosh pit, between races and genders, between species, even. Not so much class positions: “Warfare State,” “United States of Corruption,” “Will You Fight?” Late capitalism’s depredations still bear the principal brunt of the band’s anger. Things have gotten worse, and Dropdead respond in kind. They may be a lot older, but they’re even more pissed off.
Jonathan Shaw
 Fake Laugh — Waltz (State 51 Conspiracy)
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Earlier this year, Kamran Khan released his second Fake Laugh album, the charming, playful Dining Alone, which made its way into Dusted’s mid-year round-up of favorites released in the first half of 2020. Khan’s third album, Waltz, is a very different beast, featuring just piano, vocals and the odd keyboard texture, casting his songwriting in sharp relief. Undoubtedly created in this stripped-down way out of lockdown necessity, it’s hard to listen to these wistful, melancholic songs without imagining where Khan’s knack for colorful arrangements might take them, given the chance. (As a tease, closing song “Amhurst” offers up a shimmering electronic melody and some sighing synth chords.) There’s no doubting Khan’s way with a tune, and his naked vocal, though occasionally showing strain, suits the mood. It’s understated and undeniably lovely, yet Waltz feels like a minor release for this talented artist.
Tim Clarke
 David Grubbs / Taku Unami — Comet Meta (Blue Chopsticks)
Comet Meta by David Grubbs & Taku Unami
In the 23 years since Gastr Del Sol fell apart, David Grubbs has done many things that don’t sound much like his old band with Jim O’Rourke. And Taku Unami has worked in such varied settings and ways that the most persistent quality of his engagement with sound is its ability to induce question marks and ellipses in any train of thought intending to decode it. So, it’s both remarkable and delightful that this record, the duo’s second collaboration, sounds rather like parts of Gastr Del Sol’s Upgrade & Afterlife. The foundation rests upon the way two guys who can and do play intricate guitar duets make subtle use of other elements — creeping acoustic piano, humming synthesizer, urban field recordings — to make music that thickens atmosphere and accumulates mystery with such subtlety that you don’t notice it until you’re in it.
Bill Meyer  
 Guided by Voices — Mirrored Aztec (Guided by Voices Inc.)
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I know, I know, it’s another Guided by Voices record, the fifth since 2019, but hear me out. Pollard is still tapped into the fuzzy, rackety, melodic sap of the rock and roll universe, and he has only to knock his hammer a few times against the gnarled tree of life to extract more of what sustains us. Shorter version: he can do this all day, every day, without any noticeable let-up in quality. So, let us celebrate another batch of Who-like power chords, of rumbling drums and monumental bass thuds, of melodies that curve out delicately like spring’s first vines, then thicken into thundering climaxes and triumphant refrains. Let us give thanks again for inscrutable lyrics that drift off into poetry then pull back in the most ordinary artifacts of the spoken word. “I Think I Had It. I Think I Have It,” crows Pollard in a voice that has been blasted by time but come out more or less intact, and yes, Bob, you still do.
Jennifer Kelly
  Edu Haubensak & Tomas Korber — Works for Guitar & Percussion (Ezz-thetics)
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The celebrated Wandelweiser aesthetic serves as a loose overarching impetus for the four interpretations of compositions by Edu Haubensak and Tomas Korber that comprise Works for Guitar & Percussion. Classical guitarist Christian Buck and improvising percussionist Christian Wolfarth ply their instruments through pairing and isolation. Essayist Andy Hamilton describes context by delineating a distinction between music (based in the language of tones) and soundart (which is non-tonal) and placing the duo’s interpretations in the opaque border between these realms. Repetition and timbral disparity frame Haubensak’s “On” while Korber’s “Aufhebung” applies scrutiny to microtonal diversity and temporal impermanence. Wolfarth fields Korber’s “Weniger Weiss” from behind snare drum, trading recurring stick rolls with varying segments of silence that compel ears accustomed to Western musical structures to consciously fill in the blanks. Haubensak’s solo “Refugium” finds Buck bending two closely tuned strings in an extrapolation of an Arabic maqam that feels tenuously connected to the form, at best.
Derek Taylor 
 Inseclude — Inseclude (Inseclude)
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Brad MacAllister of CTRL and Blue Images and Benjamin Londa of Exit have been working in the darkwave and chillwave scenes for several years and their first album as Inseclude is a long distance collaboration that mines the darker side of 1980s alternative and electronic rock. From Pennsylvania, MacAllister sent musical ideas to Londa in Texas who added guitars, lyrics and vocals to produce a set of songs that are well made and enjoyable if largely unmemorable. There are a number of contemporary bands doing similar things — Hamilton’s Capitol and Manchester’s Ist spring immediately to mind — taking the Cure, New Order, Sisters of Mercy template and why not? Unfortunately, the passage of time and the law of diminishing returns have led to overfamiliarity with this style of music that makes for easy and perhaps unfair comparisons. When they stretch themselves, Inseclude’s songs do hit. “Sondera” and “Failing To The Pulse” carry some real menace with the juxtaposition of wide-angle synths and paranoid vocals but elsewhere the pair seem held back by a restraint and lack of bottom end that diminish the impact of some pretty decent songs.
Andrew Forell
 Kvalia — Scholastic Dreams Of Forceful Machines (Old Boring Russia)
Схоластические Грёзы Силовых Машин by Квалиа
Krasnoyarsk sits on the banks of the Yenisei river in southern Siberia and is known both for the natural beauty of its surrounding landscape and for its primacy as an aluminum producer. Local musicians Aleksander Maznichenko and Aleksey Danilenko reflect the latter on their new five track EP Scholastic Dreams Of Forceful Machines, an icy, metallic collection of post-industrial clang pitched somewhere between Einstürzende Neubauten and early Clock DVA. Their machines are forceful but cranky, rusted, near obsolete. Maznichenko keeps the thrum of turbines is steady but the drum machines lurch and thump, the keyboards whine and scream, the Russian vocals protest their obstreperous charges. Danilenko’s bass is post-punk elastic skipping amongst the raining sparks hinting at a will to dance with his mutant riffs. They sound like they mean it and the result is a terrific EP full of fire, fumes, steam and sweat.
Andrew Forell  
 Mezzanine Swimmers — Kneelin’ on a Knife (Already Dead)
Kneelin' on a Knife by Mezzanine Swimmers
These songs circle around noise-crusted, repetitive beats, the drumming stiff and mechanical, the riffs chopped to short bursts, the vocals woozy and distended. “Sexy Apology” reiterates a three-note keyboard lick ad infinitum, as main Swimmer Mike Smith drawls the title phrase, similarly on repeat. Yet within this unchanging structure, chaos erupts in detuned keyboards, miasmic feedback and corrosive noise. It’s hard to say whether these songs are too tightly organized or too loose, a bit of both really, and yet, get past the headachy thud and there’s an unhinged psychotropic transport. No one ever said that kneeling on knives would be comfortable.
Jennifer Kelly
 Mosca — The Optics (Rent)
Mosca · The Optics [RENT001]
Part of the initial wave of neon-infused dubstep hedonism surrounding the Night Slugs camp at the turn of the last decade, Mosca’s Tom Reid has since survived on the strength of a regular slot behind the decks at NTS and sparingly deployed releases on such renowned labels as Numbers, Rinse, Hypercolour and Livity Sound. “The Optics” debuts his new Rent imprint, conceived as a way to get out music that doesn’t fit in elsewhere. (Originally, this was to be an a-side for a coming AD93 release, but as he says, “There's only so long you can keep a track with a baby crying in it back from the masses.”) Supposedly inspired by the Under the Skin beach scene, the five-minute track immediately throws you off with a dub-heavy shuffle and metallic, alien sounds that zoom around the mix. The main thrust of the melody arrives around a minute in, and gradually the sounds close in on you. There’s bells, birds, a baby crying and then, just when you’re feeling completely stressed out, it all falls away; a driving jungle rhythm carries you the rest of the way. Deeply satisfying dance from a head who hasn’t lost his way.
Patrick Masterson  
 Prana Crafter/ragenap — No Ear to Hear (Centripetal Force Studio/Cardinal Fuzz)
No Ear to Hear by Prana Crafter / ragenap
When Robert Hunter, the poet who wrote lyrics for the Grateful Dead’s “Dark Star,” “Ripple,” “Truckin’,” “Terrapin Station” and many other songs, died in late 2019, long form psych musicians Prana Crafter (William Sol) and ragenap (Joel Berk) mourned separately but simultaneously. The night he died, both took solace in improvised music, which didn’t so much evoke or represent Hunter, but captured some of their feelings about his work and their loss. When they talked, soon after, they found that both had made lengthy open-ended meditations on the same person. Those two extended pieces make up No Ear to Hear. Prana Crafter’s entry, “Beggar’s Tomb,” is weighted and slow moving, building gradually from simmering drones into towering edifices of feedback and dissonance. Although performed largely on guitar, the sound is filtered through gleaming effects and layers into astral strangeness, a mystic’s trip through mental interiors. ragenap’s “Nightfall” also takes shape slowly out of looming sustained notes and black velvet quiet and sounds that scratch and vibrate at the edges. A solitary acoustic guitar takes up space at the forefront finally, carving a hesitant melody across the hum. The tune turns fuller and more agitated as it progresses, adding layers of feedback and distortion. Neither of these pieces sounds much like the Grateful Dead, and of course, neither has any sort of lyrics. I doubt that anyone, hearing this album for the first time would say, “Oh yeah, Robert Hunter.” And yet inspiration works in strange and, in this case, fruitful ways. You can enjoy this even if you don’t like the Dead.
Jennifer Kelly
 Raven Throne — Viartannie (Chroniki Źmiainaj Ciemry) (self-released)
Viartannie (Chroniki Źmiainaj Ciemry) /The Return (The Chronicles of the Serpent Darkness) by RAVEN THRONE
These Belorussian black metal veterans are true materialists. On their seventh album, they show that nature is a social construct, not something given. And boy, their nature is not a loving mother. Unlike many metal bands convey nature via field recordings, Raven Throne craft their ferocious sounds with guitars and drums. Aren’t these as natural instruments as stone and wooden sticks? The atmospheric black metal subgenre has been contaminated by pop and folksy metal so that it’s hard to maintain a truly evil sound, while still bringing the atmospheric elements into it. Raven Throne pull it off. This is how darkness should sound.
Ray Garraty  
 The Slugs — Don’t Touch Me I’m Too Slimy (2214099 Records DK)
Don't Touch Me, I'm Too Slimy by The Slugs
The Slugs are an exuberantly lo-fi punk pop duo out of London who bash and thump and shout short, acidic ditties about being female, in a band, under assault and under the weather. Liberty Hodes, who is also one half of the comedy duo A Comedy Night that Passes the Bechdel Test, plays a jangling, forceful electric guitar, while her Phoebe Dighton-Brown bangs away in brutal simplicity on the drums. Both sing, sometimes in unison, sometimes in rough harmonies, occasionally in slashing counterparts. (One chants “Feel sick/can’t be sick” while the other rolls out mellifluous “ah-ah-ah-ahs” in “Feel Sick.”) There is a charming, unstudied quality to their music, which is a bit too smart and biting to be primitive, but nonetheless eschews frills. It’s hard to pick favorites—the whole EP is over in five tracks and 11 minutes—but “Pest” is giddy fun, with its slouching, battering guitar-drum motif and slacker choruses. The shout along chorus of “Don’t touch me! I’m too slimy!” is the best thing on the record, hitting a rebellious, unwashed spot of resonance in the work-from-home era. Second best, the gleeful tirade about sleazy male promoters in “Girly Gang” (“Give you all the gigs if you touch my wang”), which builds in round-singing euphorias until it ends suddenly and a la Jane Austen in matrimony (“Married in a dress by Vera Wang”). People are comparing the Slugs to the Shaggs, but that’s just short-hand for banging away anyway without all the training. The Slugs are smarter, slyer and more autonomous, and if they sound a little rough, that’s exactly how they meant to sound.
Jennifer Kelly
Tobin Sprout — Empty Horses (Fire)
Empty Horses by Tobin Sprout
Blessed with one of the finest names in music (alongside dEUS’s Klaas Janzoons), Tobin Sprout is best known for being part of the Guided by Voices line-up that created classic albums such as Bee Thousand and Alien Lanes in the 1990s. Though Sprout’s subsequent solo output has been a steady stream compared to Robert Pollard’s deluge, Empty Horses is his eighth solo album. In it, the now-65-year-old ruminates faith, mortality and American history atop a spare, country-tinged backing. There’s a deep ache to many of these songs, the kind of emotional weight that manifests in pointedly low tempos, sparse drum parts that hang behind the beat and vocal performances that are almost uncomfortably intimate. Running to a succinct half-hour, with many of the songs clocking in at just a couple of minutes each, Empty Horses confronts demons seemingly too pernicious to overcome. Yet, when the music becomes more expansive — such as the graceful pedal steel of “Breaking Down,” the woozy modulation of “Antietam,” or the biting fuzztone of “All In My Sleep” — Sprout sounds like he may be on the verge of making a much-needed breakthrough.
Tim Clarke  
 Son Lux — Tomorrows I (City Slang)
Tomorrows I by Son Lux
Son Lux’s songs embed unsettling sounds in deep wells of silence, finding disturbing textures in string sounds, electronics, percussion and the fluttering soul falsetto of founder Ryan Lott. Tomorrows I, reportedly the first of three related albums, has a quietly dystopian vibe and a moist, echoing unease that might remind of you Burial’s classic Untrue. A brief, looped, keening violin motif punctures the opening cut, “Plans We Made” with all the threat of Bernhard Hermann’s shower music for the film Psycho, while Lott trills haunted phrases about being afraid to let go. “Undertow,” near the end, brings in a whole string quartet to swoon dissonantly, as a knocking beat (drummer Ian Chang) sounds like a body being dragged across the floor. “Just waiting for the undertow,” sings Lott in the dread empty spaces between, in arias of muted desolation. Minimalist and menacing and mesmerizing.
Jennifer Kelly
 Ulaan Janthina — Ulaan Janthina (Part 1) (Worstward)
Ulaan Janthina (Part I) by Ulaan Janthina
Steven R. Smith contains multitudes, and Ulaan Janthina is the latest manifestation of his mutating musical self. This release exemplifies three aspects of Smith’s practice. First, he likes to make beautiful things. Hard copies of this tape come in a custom-oriented box that contains tinted photos, shells and printed communications as well as the cassette. And he’s project-oriented. While other iterations have been devoted to an Eastern European vibe, or guitar noise or a virtual ensemble sound, Ulaan Janthina results from a decision to work primarily with the keyboards in his house. It’s a winning strategy, since his synthesizers, organ and harmonium all benefit from the grittiness of Smith’s recording methodology, and his spare playing style makes his melodies stand out quite starkly from the background atmosphere. Like the name says, this is part one of the Janthina (named for a genus of sea snail that makes its own floating platform — not a bad metaphor for the survival-oriented independent musician) venture; a second, similarly packaged cassette is pending from Smith’s Worstward imprint soon, and a future release is already planned by Soft Abuse records.
Bill Meyer
 Various Artists — Spr Blk: Liberation Jazz and Soul From the '70s and Beyond (Paxico)
Liberation Jazz and Soul by Marcus J. Moore
Author Marcus J. Moore (late of The Nation but also found everywhere from Pitchfork to WaPo) has a book on the way in October, The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America. In advance of its release via cassette devotees Paxico, Moore cobbled together “rare and somewhat familiar” Black music from his own crates. “These are the kinds of songs I play when walking through New York City or driving through Maryland,” he says in the release. What that means for you is a two-sided mix that burns slower on the A and gets more percussion-heavy on the B. Leading off with Doug Carn’s fittingly titled “Swell Like a Ghost” and featuring jams from Willie Dale, Milton Wright, Ronald Snijders and other lesser jazz, soul and funk lights, it’s a revealing mix that will no doubt pair well with that fall reading you’re about to get going on.
Patrick Masterson 
 Vatican Shadow — Persian Pillars of the Gasoline Era (20 Buck Spin)
Persian Pillars Of The Gasoline Era by Vatican Shadow
Dominick Fernow is hugely prolific, and most folks with ears tuned to the densely churning worlds of noise and industrial music will be familiar with his abrasive, unsettling output under the Prurient moniker. Fernow’s releases as Vatican Shadow are fewer in number, and more attuned to ambient, even melodic movements and textures. That’s sort of odd, given that the Vatican Shadow records thematize and explore Fernow’s obsession with the history of the Middle East, especially post-9/11 collisions of Western military force, Islamic traditions of resistance and the tactics of terror used by both sides. Relaxing stuff, that ain’t. Consistent with the larger project’s tendencies, Persian Pillars of the Gasoline Era claims an interest in the CIA-coordinated Iranian coup (MI6 helped out, too, those imperial scamps) that deposed Mohammed Mossadeq, installed the Shah Reza Pahlavi and inaugurated some of the principal tensions that have shaped the last half-century of world history. It’s unclear how Fernow’s pulsing, shimmering, sometimes juddering synth sounds are meant to represent or otherwise engage that history. For sure, record art and song titles summon all the right semiotics, sometimes with an interesting edge. But “Taxi Journey through the Teeming Slums of Tehran” sounds more like a malfunctioning MP3 player than a taxi or a “teeming slum” (can we all be done with that phrase now?), and “Moving Secret Money” is pleasantly trance-inducing, rather than insidiously evil. Musically, it’s quite good. The packaging seems to want strike other notes. Maybe that’s the point — too many folks are too busy consuming quietist pop to bother with the grind of the political. But is this the intervention we need?  
Jonathan Shaw
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sick-in-luv · 4 years
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A/n: Finn is my ideal type oops🤭💀 feel free to request💕
Warning⚠️:drug use
How you met:
🤘Finn Slater Anson🤘
• You and Finn met at one of his concerts.
• The drummer for his band was your best friends brother, Jessie,and he gave you two back stage passes so you could hang out with them after the show.
• Of course you didn't pass up the chance to go to a Curdled Blood concert,and she was just happy that she didn't have to go alone.
• "My brothers band is real cool you know? Nothing like you'd expect them to be. Well except maybe Finn,he's kinda creepy"
• She definitely sounded like she thought he was more than just kinda creepy,but you just shook it off. If she wasn't worried than neither were you.
• The concert was incredible. Both you and your friend got the privilege of sitting in the VIP area,where you were close enough to the stage to touch the band.
• It was your first time seeing them preform and you were more than impressed. Especially with the lead singer.
• You never expected someone who looked so grungy could have such an amazing voice,but you were hypnotized from the moment he started to the moment they got off stage.
• It wasnt long before a big guy with 'staff' written in his black tshirt led you to the back stage area,where you saw everyone except the lead singer celebrating with shots.
• Your friend squealed loudly as she ran towards Jessie,and you smiled softly as they exchanged hugs and greetings.
• You couldnt help but feel a little awkward as she introduced you to everyone,only being able to give a small wave and a high pitched "hi" with resulted in them cooing at how cute you were,making you turn bright red,much to their amusement.
• They kept up the friendly teasing until a deep,almost hypnotic voice sounded from behind you,taking everyone's attention.
• "Well,well,well. What do we have here?"
• There,in all his sweaty shirtless glory,was the lead singer of Curdled blood,Finn Anson,and his deep blue eyes were looking straight at you.
• His long dark hair stuck to his face and shoulders,and the stud in his eyebrow glistened under the light.
• Even flushed and covered in sweat,he was unbelievably beautiful.
• Suddenly you regretted dressing in such tight clothes as his eyes trailed over your figure,his tongue peircing flashing as he licked over his teeth.
• Jessie was the first one to break the tence silence with an awkward laugh,throwing his arm over your shoulders. "Finn! You remember my little sister right? This is her friend (Y/n)! You know the one she always talks about.?"
• Finn smiled sweetly,"(Y/n) huh?" He bent down to eye level, sticking out his hand for you to shake "Well (Y/n) it's real nice to finally meet you"
• You felt your face flush at his closeness,and all you could do was nod shyly and stutter out a hello,taking his much larger hand in yours.
• Instead of shaking it,he brought it to his lips,placing a small peck on the back of your hand.
• You made a small noise of surprise,making him chuckle as he stood straight up again.
• You heard the people behind you let out an audible sigh of relief,which made his eyes shoot to them.
• Something dangerous flickered behind the deep blue hues before his face was overtaken with a giant charming smile.
• "Great show you guys! You fuckin' killed that solo Joey!" You saw the lead guitarist smile nervously "thanks man! It wouldn't have been so great if you didn't spend all that time helpin us out."
• Finn rolled his eyes,smile still present "pshh don't give me that! You guys were amazing." His smile turned into a smirk. "I think this calls for a celebration dont you?"
• His question was directed at the band,but his eyes landed on you again,and you felt heat rise to your face.
• After that the night only got more overwhelming. It was a mess of groupies,alcohol and drugs. Smoke filled your lungs every time you passed a crowd and at this point you were begging to find a door out of the suite so you could get some fresh air.
• Your friend was nowhere to be found,and all of the noise and fumes were starting to make you dizzy.
• It felt like hours before you found the exit,and you practically ran to the door,throwing it open and dashing towards the balcony.
• You took a few deep breaths trying to clear your lungs of smoke,before you heard a familiar deep chuckle.
• Your head snapped towards the sound,and you saw Finn sitting on a deep red sofa at a dark wood table,a mess of white powder and an assortment of mushrooms,pills and a frightening amount of switchables scattered in front of him.
• A tall brunette in a tight black dress was seated on the armrest next to him,running her acrylics through his hair. She stood out even between the three other people sat on the sofa,snorting whatever was in front of them
• "I take it your not use to this kinda scene? Either that or you took something bad cause you look like your about to pass out."
• It took a while for you to process that he was talking to you,and when you finally did a you could do was nod dumbly.
• He chuckled again and motioned to the girl,who stood up and walked over to you,grabbing your hand,leading you to sit next to Finn on the sofa before going inside "Awhh poor baby,you're feeling a bit overwhelmed aren't you?" He cooed,pressing his cold black painted fingers to your forehead.
• He pulled away and reached over the table,grabbing a rolled up bill and putting it to his nose,quickly snorting 3 long lines of white powder before pulling back with a sigh,sniffing a few times and leaning back
• You stared up at him,taking in how his long lashes rested on his flushed cheeks when you saw a bit of blood trickle out of his nose. You gasped softly making him open his eyes amd look at you.
• "Hey i got something that can help you calm down and enjoy the party. What do you say?" He smirked wiping the blood away.
• You shook your head slowly. "N-no thank you." He laughed lightly and moved to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear.
• "You can trust me okay? I'll be with you the whole time. It only lasts for a couple of hours" You looked down and considered it for a second as he reached over the table again,grabbing a small square with a smiley face on it and pressing it against his tongue,just below his piercing.
• Before you could protest,he grabbed your face and pulled you in for a messy kiss,his tounge pressing against yours.
• You moaned involuntarily,partially because of the surprise but mostly at the feeling of his soft lips and the salty taste of iron mixed with the slightly bitter taste of whatever he had in his mouth invading your senses.
• You couldn't help but lean into him,your hands going up to grab at his shirt. He chucked into your mouth,letting out a curse before deepening the kiss,only for a second before pulling away.
• He stuck his tongue out again and laughed and your flustered state,and you could see that the little square was completely gone.
• "That should help you relax a little." He reached over the table again,this time grabbing a small switch blade,admiring it for a bit before clicking it open "Now the real fun begins"
27 notes · View notes
suuniva · 4 years
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Chicken Soup
Chapter One: Your a What?!
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"Achoo!" "I told you you shouldn't have done that stupid dare." "But it was a dare! You have to do dares." I stared down at Arctic like I was looking at a child. For some backstory, Arctic dragged me off to this party one of her old high school friends were hosting. For the most part, the party wasn't too bad. I kinda enjoyed it. But of course, somebody thought we should play some Truth or Dare. Ah, Good Ol' Truth or Dare. The classic party game for high school and college parties. Except for the fact that we aren't high school/college students but actually grown adults. But of course, us drunk adults thought that it would be an amazing idea for us to play a game intended for tweens. And at first, it wasn't that bad. You know, the usual dares, "Kiss the person next to you, take off a piece of clothing". Then stuff started to get...weird. Kiss the person next to you turned into steal one of the neighbor's potted plants while wearing all black and singing the alphabet backward. And take off a piece of clothing became streak down the street naked in the pouring rain while scream-singing LA Devotee by Panic! At The Disco. And of course, this idiot of a friend I have when dared to streak down the street naked actually did it. "God forbid they think me too much a coward to streak down the street naked in the rain!" And that is why we are in the situation we are in right now. "Moonlight, please help I feel horrible!" Arctic groaned and sneezed again. "My head feels like it has been run over twice and my eyes feel like they're going to come out with all the pounding going on behind them. I can't hold any food down, and my body hurts all over." "I told you not to do the dare and warned you on your third drink that if you kept going you were going to be very hungover. But guess who ignored ALL my warnings. YOU said, "I'm an adult. I can make my own decisions. You aren't my mother". I hate to tell you I told you so, but I did tell you so!" Arctic dragged herself out of bed, crawled herself over to me, and wrapped her arm around my waist, despite my protests. "Please I'm so sorry for not listening to you even though you were right. I know I shouldn't have done the dare and I shouldn't have downed those two whiskey bottles and I shouldn't have- well you get the idea. I know I should have listened to you, and I made a mistake and-" I shushed her and looked down at her sweat and tear-stained face. I took a deep breath and sighed while rubbing the bridge of my nose. "Fine just get back in bed we can't have you getting any sicker than you already are. I need to call my conductor to tell him I'm going to have to miss today's rehearsal. Also, I need to call my mom and see if she knows any at-home remedies for the flu. Good thing you're on vacation right now or I'd have to call your boss too and you would have a lot of explaining to do." "What about my hangover?" Arctic sniffled. "I'll check the internet." ← ♫ → Arctic was sleeping peacefully in the other room. My mom, who used to be a nurse, turned out to know a lot of at-home remedies for the flu. She told me a few but it turns out I only needed one of them to get Arctic to feel good enough to go back to sleep. The conductor wasn't happy to hear that I wasn't going to go into rehearsal today since I'm the soloist but he agreed after I promised to have my solo down by tomorrow and be ready to play. "They're probably going to just work on the background and supporting parts and fix whatever problems they come across," I thought as I tuned my violin in preparation to practice. Just because I wasn't going to rehearsal today didn't mean I get to do nothing all day especially since I need to have my solo perfected by tomorrow. I lifted my bow to play the first notes of the solo in Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K. 216 by Mozart. While I played, I thought about some of the other remedies my mom had told me about. One of the very first ones she told me was, "Make her some chicken soup. A good, hearty, well-made chicken soup can help cure the flu any day. Also, it's light on the stomach and she'll need to eat something soon." "I'll make her some chicken soup when I'm finished practicing." I thought. About An Hour Later After I finished practicing, I carefully put my violin and sheet music away. After putting my violin out of reach of my German shepherd, Mint, I started looking for that cookbook my grandmother had given to me as a housewarming gift when I first moved in. I looked in the kitchen, my bedroom, both of the guest rooms, and my practice room. Hell, I even checked the bathrooms but it was nowhere to found. So I decided that the only other place it could be was the attic. As I pulled stairs down I wondered how it could've gotten up here since I remember putting it downstairs with the rest of the cookbooks I got as gifts and bought myself. "But then again it has been a while so maybe I'm wrong." Unlike some people, I clean my attic out once a month, so it wasn't that messy when I got up there. I looked through the books I had stored up here, but most of them were just old music theory notes and drawing notebooks from high school I had decided to keep. Now, I don't have that big of an attic and since I keep it neat for the most part I can usually find stuff up here but that cooking book has seemed to completely disappear off the face of the planet. I scratched the back of my head before putting everything back and preparing to head back downstairs. As I walked back to the stairs, I saw out of the corner of my eye a corner of the bight peeling background of the book. I ran over to it and picked it up. Sure enough, it was my grandmother's cookbook. This cookbook was written by my grandmother when she was only in her teens and she had intended it to be passed down to the eldest granddaughter in the family. Kinda weird but my grandmother was always a bit quirky especially in her younger days. Not that I knew her then but my grandfather always told me stories of the trouble he and grandma had gotten into when they were younger. When I got to the kitchen, I opened the cookbook to the table of contents and flip to the page that the chicken soup recipe was on. "Okay chicken, four carrots, four stalks of celery, 1 large onion, water, municipal, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and thyme," I said as I pulled the items out of the cabinets. After getting everything out I filled I large a put with water and set a timer for when the water would be done boiling. While the water came to a boil, I started cutting up the vegetables into sizable portions. When the water started to boil, I put everything into the pot including the bay leaves and thyme stalks. The recipe said to let the whole mix simmer until the meat started falling off the bone. While waiting, I looked through a couple of the other recipes in the book. In a few minutes, the chicken was falling off the bone, so I flipped back to the recipe to see what to do next. It said to strain the entire soup to remove the bones and thyme stalks. After I did that I cut the chicken into smaller, easier to eat pieces and added them back to the soup. Then I put everything back into the pot and returned it to the heat. While stirring to make sure it didn't burn, I thought about my grandmother. Soon after I moved to Sydney to join the orchestra here, my grandmother had moved back to her hometown in Korea, so I didn't see her very often much anymore. My parents weren't very supportive of my dream of becoming a musician when I was starting out. They're much more open to it now and started trying to attend some of my concerts even though it kinda hard since they still live in Korea and most of our concerts are here in Australia. But back then my grandmother was the only one who had helped me move out here. She had even stayed for a couple of months in my house to make sure I settled in nicely. Right before she left she gave me the cookbook I'm using now. Near the end of her visit, she started acting strangely. Sometimes I would hear her talking things that weren't there. Other times she would just leave certain rooms really quickly and refuse to go back into them for hours. I tried to ask her about it sometimes, but she would never tell me anything. Ignoring her sometimes strange behavior, my grandmother was the sweetest person I ever knew. During the time she was here, she almost always cooked. Whenever I came home from rehearsals, she was always so ready to listen to my entire day and all my problems. She even gave me my name 'Moonlight' against my parent's wishes, but they had already promised to let her. I mean, Moonlight' isn't exactly a traditional name. Not only that, she pretty much completely taught me how to cook. I remember she would always half hum half sing a specific tune whenever I was in the kitchen with her. She never taught me the song but I still manage to memorize it. Almost without thinking about it, I started to sing the song. Just hearing the lyrics brought back a million memories. I wish I had more time to visit her. I miss her. Suddenly, I heard a loud crash from behind me. I spun around, spoon in hand, only to see a random, rather large man standing in the middle of my living room. Now when I say large, I mean very large. I mean he would have towered over most people. The strangest part of him, though, was the fact that his eyes were glowing bright crimson. "Who the hell are you?!" I shouted at the stranger. Completely ignoring me, he shouted back, " How were you able to summon me?!" I faltered, "What?" He seemed to grow angrier at this, and I swear on my deathbed I heard a growl, "I said, how did you summon me?!" "Summon you?! All I was trying to do was make some chicken soup." He paused at this, "What are you talking about?" "See!" I said gesturing to the soup I was stirring. "Well, you must have summoned me! If you hadn't, I wouldn't be standing here," He sneered. "Why would I want to be anywhere in a 50-mile radius of you?!" "Why you little -," he said taking a step closer to me. In an act of pure ADHD impulsiveness and fight or flight response, I threw the spoon I was holding at his head. While he was distracted by a spoon hitting in the middle of his face, I ran to the kitchen. He recovered fast than I expected. Soon enough he was turning back to me madder than before. When I saw him, turn towards me I threw my cookbook at him too. Now this cookbook is a very thick book. Like I mean 600+ pages, thick. I didn't see him get hit by the book even though I would've like to because I yanked open the knives draw and grabbed the biggest one I could find and whirled around. When he got up, I expected him to rush at me again. But instead, he was staring at my grandmother's cookbook. He picked the book of the ground and started flipping through the pages. Every page he looked at, he seemed to get even more confused. I wasn't sure why he was looking through the pages of an elderly woman's recipes for meat pies and roast beef but I was sure that I wasn't about to put the knife in my hands down. Finally, he stopped and looked at me. Then he said, "Where did you get this from?" Why wasn't he trying to attack me anymore? I stayed quiet. "This is no game!" he shouted, "Where did you get this?!" "What are you talking about?! That was a gift from my grandmother! " I shouted back, kinda scared and worried. "Do not lie!" He growled, "Now tell me where you really got this from." "I'm not lying!" I yelled back, " And even if I was lying, why should I tell you anything?! You are a stranger! I know nothing about you. You are NOT allowed to barge into my house and start threatening me to tell you anything about my life!" He started walking towards me again, no doubt even angrier. When he was a few feet from me, I hefted the knife in front of me. He stopped and eyed the knife and me for a minute before coming closer. As much as my body was telling me to back up and away from him, I didn't do either because I didn't want him to think I was scared even though I was. Mainly though, I didn't want to get trapped anywhere. I hefted the knife a bit higher. He stopped again. Then, He laughed?! "Oh sweetie, that can't do anything to me." What is he talking about? It's a knife. Of course, it can hurt him. As confidently as I thought I still wasn't sure. "Of course it can. You would have to be immortal or invulnerable to survive a knife to the heart." "What you don't seem to be getting is that just what I am." he sneered, "Immortal and invulnerable." "Just w - what are you?" I stuttered out of fear. "Why sweetie," he said, "I'm a demon. And you summoned me." Then I blacked out.
-
There she is! This is my first proper story so I would really love to here feed back and advice on how to make it better. If you took the time to read this story of mine, thank you! I really do appreciate it. Chapter 2 will be done and up in a couple of days.
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chrryjin · 5 years
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sᴋᴢ ᴍʏsᴛɪᴄ ᴍᴇssᴇɴɢᴇʀ ᴀᴜ
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Name: Kim Woojin
Birthdate: April 8, 1997
Occupation: Vocal trainer
Username: Teddybearwoojin, having a common name sucked so he had to be creative
Texting style: Usually uses proper grammar, but still will use acronyms and slang. Will leave it up to auto-capitalization.
Text bubble color: Mustard, basically a matte gold
Fun fact: He’s the eldest so he gets made fun of for being old a lot by the others. Everyone’s secretly terrified of him. Rarely posts selfies. Usually pretty chill.
Bad end: You end up kidnapped to Mint-Eye and get brainwashed into the cult, he didn’t make it in time to save you.
Good end: Woojin became your vocal trainer. He saw potential in you to become a singer, so he nurtured you. You both toured the world, and he proposed in one of your concerts.
Quote: “Whoa, it’s kind of weird to hear your voice instead of texting. Hm? You want me to sing you to sleep? Fine, but just this once.”
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Name: Bang Christopher/Chan
Birthdate: October 3, 1997
Occupation: Actor
Username: CB97, his initials and birthyear
Texting style: Varied, usually proper grammer too. May type in all lowercase just for the aesthetic.
Text bubble color: Grey, since he couldn’t do black.
Fun facts: 1/3 of the ‘leader group’ 3racha (how everything started), the offical leader leader of the groupchat. Has you listen to song snippets that he produced as a hobby.
Bad end: You get into a scandal with him, his agency forcing him to denounce you. You end up harrassed by fans until you commit suicide.
Good end: You date in secret for a while, before he proposes to you on live national television. You accpet. The two of you overcome the hate and he retires to live a peaceful life.
Quote: “Me? Talented? Not really, but thank you! No, seriously I’m not! I think you’re the amazing one, organizing the party and everything.”
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Name: Lee Minho
Birthdate: October 25, 1998
Occupation: Dance instructor
Username: Leeknow. He gets a lot of clowning for this.
Texting style: Lots of emojis, decent grammar. uses 🥴 a lot
Text bubble color: A turquoise/aquamarine
Fun facts: He has three cats that no one cares to remember. Those cats are his life clown them and die. Threatens to kill someone on a daily basis, also a flirter.
Bad end: On the way to his dance studio at night, you get robbed and eventually murdered for trying to fight back.
Good end: You encouraged and gave him confidence to follow his old dream of being an idol. With your support, he debuted in a group, and revealed your relationship before he retired.
Quote: “Hey beautiful, want to grab a drink sometime? Just kidding, but I’m always up for it. Drinks, or eliminating someone annoying for you.”
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Name: Seo Changbin
Birthdate: August 11, 1999
Occupation: Producer
Username: SpearB, his ‘producer’ name.
Texting style: Uses a surprisingly cute style, lots of kao emojis (〃ω〃) and normal emojis despite his ‘darkness’
Text bubble color: Light pink. Edge lord sure.
Fun facts: 1/3 of 3racha. He’s a pretty well known producer, he’s made songs for multiple dramas and idols. He insists that he’s ‘edgy’ but he’s really not. Gets clowned for his height.
Bad end: You accidentally leak one of his works in progress and his music gets plagiarized. You get kicked out for betraying him.
Good end: You urged him to go into the spotlight rather than hide behind his music. He becomes known for his speed and spit-fire style, with you as his biggest supporter.
Quote: “What? Did you just call me short?! Binnie’s not short! He’s really mad now, hmph! It’s not funny! I’m seriously not short, hey!”
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Name: Hwang Hyunjin
Birthdate: March 20, 2000
Occupation: Travel blogger
Username: Princejinnie, his nickname.
Texting style: He texts pretty normally. The occasional spell-check mess up, he uses emojis and slang too.
Text bubble color: Light blue, periwinkle.
Fun facts: He models part-time, but he’d rather have the places he visits become popular rather than his face. Super sensitive, a crybaby. Hated Jisung when he was younger.
Bad end: The bomb in the apartment malfunctions and goes off just as Hyunjin enters, the explosion killing you both.
Quote: “Hello? Hm? No, I’m not crying *sniffle*. Okay, maybe I am. The last episode of the drama got to me, okay? Maybe I can cry on your shoulder soon.”
E̸̡͔̲͇̦̙͙̗̳̣̹̤̩͇̣̥̫̩̜͙͗͗͊̽̓̈́͑̇̆̔̀̔̈͊̿͐̃͂͒̔́̅̀̏͜͝ͅR̸̥͈̱̪̪̳̞̙̍̌̀͆̃̐̽͌̏̚͜͠Ṛ̸̡̤̞̗͈̜̱̫̖̫͉̤̂̽̓̍̏̾͋͆̃̃̈̑͘Ǒ̶̘̮͍̙̱̌͛̀́͂̉͒͊̈̈́́̑͛͑̈́̆̈́̄͑̚͠R̵̝̦̝̰͎̾̓͛͐̌̈̈́̕ A̸̢̛͉̱̙͙͇̟̻̲̻̮̦̝͛͑͋̂̂̿̂̋̄̀͒͊̌͌͘͝͠ľ̵̢͚̞̠̭̺̣͖̈́̆͛̀̍̽̂͋͜ţ̷̢̛̱̤̥̗͎̪̭̮̳͚̗̔̅͗̈́̆̈́̉͋̑̅͊̒͂̈́̽̄̕͘͝e̵͓̤͐̇̉̊̃͂͐͐̈́̃̐̐̏̉̀̏̃̀̈́͝͝ŕ̴̢̹̤̬̯̗̪̜̫͍͓̍͆͊̏͘n̴̺͕̪̮̮̰̔̎͂̂́̏͗̈́͂͝a̸͔̭̣̲̤͈̯̘͈͖̤̹̖̒̅̑̽͐͑̓͘͘͝ͅt̵̖̣̭͈͙́͌̾̎̆̆̈́̍̂́̆̈́́̓̒̈̀̀̀ȩ̶̧̱̥͈̫͓͖̦͓̳̜̼̻͓͇̑̂͊̈́̀͑̂̑͘͘͜ͅͅ ̷͔̮̫̋̋̏̅̊͗̈́Ȓ̶͍̼̅̄̅͒̈́͠o̷̪͓͔͉̖̥͚̗͈̎͌ų̷̹̦̱̬̪͍̖̭̱͇̬̼͂̔̿̌̉̔̍̉̿̄́̑͋̑͛̕͠t̴̢̛͙̭͍̮͍̝̝͕̬̺͚̲̙͙͒̐̂̐̀̒͑́͐͒̍̑̕ẹ̶̩̗̪̞̘̥͈̩͎̤̬͓̰̲̑̇̿̌̀͌͆̃͂̈̕͝
Occupation: Mint Eye’s hacker
Username: Unknown
Texting style: Super creepy, mysterious. Seems to know everything about you.
Text bubble color: Pure white
Fun facts: He was brainwashed at a young age, a devout follower of Mint Eye. The travel blog is a coverup, he usually scouts potential followers in those areas.
Bad end: He kidnaps you, and you end up brainwashed and suffer from stockholm syndrome, loving your kidnapper and willing to die for him.
Good end: You end up becoming his light, and you help him into the process of recovery. He makes up with Jisung, and his ‘coverup’ becomes his true self. He’s happy again, with you.
Quote: “Mint Eye is the only place where I matter. Everything else is always Jisung, Jisung, Jisung! Yoh liar! I don’t matter to you, how can I?”
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Name: Han Jisung
Birthdate: September 14, 2000
Occupation: Producer
Username: J-One, his producer name.
Texting style: Sporadic, it can vary immensely. You can’t predict it. Has sporadic moments of deep thoughts.
Text bubble color: Light purple, lavendar
Fun Facts: 1/3 of 3racha. Famous producer, collabs with Changbin a lot. Usually ignored whenever he acts cute or makes a joke. Knows how to hack from his olden days.
Bad end: You get kidnapped and used as a hostage, Hyunjin betraying Stray Kids. Jisung sacrifices himself over to Mint Eye, but you die anyway.
Good end: You help him defeat and recover Hyunjin. They end up being closer than ever, and you a true companion for Jisung. You saw through his mask and saw who he truly was.
Quote: “Heyo! It’s your neighborhood squirrel~ Hehe, you’re the only one who laughs at my jokes, the only one who loves me in this forsaken world~”
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Name: Lee Felix Yongbok
Birthdate: September 15, 2000
Occupation: Song writer
Username: Fortniteguy4419
Texting style: Lots of memes and slang, it’s a miracle if you understand what he texts. Similar to Jisung, has his moments.
Text bubble color: Bright yellow, a bit harsh on the eyes
Fun facts: He’s relatively new, similar to you. He’s not super famous yet, but he’s trying. He’s the one opening up chatrooms at horrible hours, preventing you from sleeping.
Bad end: He gets tricked into Mint Eye, and you decide to go solo to save him. You both end up becoming brainwashed followers.
Good end: Felix ends up making it big, he writes songs for you to sing together. The fans supported you the whole way, excited that you were together. You both move back to Australia.
Quote: “Eyy, let’s get it. Dare me to drink five Redbulls? Anway, it’s 3am and I’m probably going to die. You better save me with a kiss okay?”
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Name: Kim Seungmin
Birthdate: September 22, 2000
Occupation: Prosecutor
Username: #1myday
Texting style: Proper grammar, but will use emojis like :3 occasionally. Will text in all caps a lot, especially when about Day6.
Text bubble color: Mint green, on the lighter side
Fun facts: Huge Day6 fan, will never shut up about them. You’d think he was the normal member but nope. Regularly threatens to kill someone, like Minho. Soft spots for Hyunjin and Jeongin.
Bad end: You end up becoming the target of a serial killer, the one Seungmin was investigating into. You end up murdered, even though the killer was caught.
Good end: The serial killer is caught, and Seungmin becomes a well-respected prosecutor. The both of you go after the criminals that no one wants, becoming an unstoppable duo.
Quote: “You listen to Day6 too?! Oh, that’s my favorite song as well! We should go to a concert together sometime! You’re my favorite, stan kings.”
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Name: Yang Jeongin
Birthdate: February 8, 2001
Occupation: 3rd grade teacher
Username: Babyshark
Texting style: Relatively normal, probably the most normal out of everyone. Uses emojis and slang but not too much or too little.
Text bubble color: Hot pink, looks nearly like red.
Fun facts: The youngest, he gets babied. He’s kind of evil, and he could probably get away with murder in the groupchat. Hates aegyo, hates being babied. Kind of hates the members.
Bad end: You visit his school one day, but then a terrorist showed up. You and Jeongin end up dying from protecting his students.
Good end: You end up in a cute and wholesome relationship. You baby him a lot, and he could tolerate it since it was you. His students helped him propose, it was really cute.
Quote: “I think you’re the only normal one in the groupchat—What? I’m not a baby, I’m a man! I teach babies! Baby teaching babies—It’s not like thaaat!”
Bonus
Name: Y/N
Birthdate: XXXXX XX XXXX
Occupation: XXXXXX
Username: Readerinsert
Texting style: It varies from time to time, but usually lowercase due to laziness. Emojis are used a lot too, and so are abbreviations.
Text bubble color: Your favorite color
Fun facts: You were lured and basically trapped into a groupchat named Stray Kids, and you had to organize a party on their behalf. Sketchy, but the guys were all sweet so you couldn’t help it —
Quote: “Wait, did you say that this apartment could explode? Great! Give me the sweet release of death, escape from the capitalist world of depression and letdowns—”
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tellmetheteruth · 5 years
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The GazettE in Dallas personal Live Report
I've never written one of these for a show i've been to so excuse me if it's clumsy. My concert buddies and I were aiming to get to the venue in the a.m. hours but Brittney and I took so long on hair and makeup that we didn't get there until noon. Oops.
It was Ridiculously hot and sweaty outside and I am not from Texas, i'm from near Seattle so i'm not used to it. And i didnt bring sunblock. My bf brought me some partway through the day but I still got a little burned. Met a lot of friends in the line that helped make it feel less than the 6 and a half hour wait it was. Signed the banner for the band and some Birthday cards for Reita.
The WT19 Documentary staff walked by with the camera and actually interviewed me! I thought I did well but my friends later teased me to death about talking too much and telling my whole life story so idk;;;; I still hope they use a bit of it because I didn't get in the WT16 dvd at all even though I went to LA.
I was VIP so the early entry was a lifesaver. Managed to be near the front of the merch line and actually snagged a Kai and an Uruha bear keychain. Ruki was sold out before I even saw it and Reita sold out a few people in front of me. I also got a tshirt and a hoodie but it was the bears I was REALLY hoping really bad I could get because I didn't own any yet.
And I still managed to get a really good spot after so I'm glad I didn't feel pressured to skip the merch line in favor of a spot. I wasn't directly at the barricade, i had probably 3 or 4 people in front of me. But to me it was perfect because I could see all the members without craning my neck instead of just the one close to me, and I was still way close enough to see all their beautiful faces in detail.
I don't rememeber the setlist in order whatsoever but other people posted it so. Anyway. Falling was Awesome and the first song after the intro. I was mostly distracted in awe just to be standing so close to them all. At the last show I couldn't afford VIP and I was stuck way up in a balcony. So this was just Surreal to me.
A lot of the middle is such a blur but I remember feeling like I had never smiled so wide in my whole entire life and no matter what they played I would have been happy. I was even So excited to hear Filth in the Beauty even though I usually complain about how overplayed it is. I know they played Dogma, which I heard at the last tour of course, but it was Way better being this close and personal.
Aoi is increadibly magnetic and attractive. There's no way to explain it. It's not just that he's hot- mind you, of course he Is, but.. something about him. The way he carries himself. Its hard to take your eyes off of him. The rest is pretty much what other people say, confirmed. Uruha makes a lot of Weird faces, especially during solos. But its super cute. Ruki has not gotten Any better at dancing and I wouldn't have it any other way. Kai is all smiles. Reita's always bobbing his head with the music like a little parakeet. I don't know what to say. Its all so much more touching being there to see it up close.
The last song of the encore was Tomorrow Never Dies and I was just.. crying the whole time honestly. Any final song would be a little emotional but they had to choose That one. It defeinitely got to me.
After the show VIP was immediately lining up for the meet and greet and I was confused about where to go. But we found it. I waited and took some post-show selfies with Brittney. The whole experience was just.. even more special being with my best friend after so long.
-The meet and greet.-
It was. Interesting. I was not prepared.
The line moved a lot faster than I was expecting and before I knew it my boyfriend pointed out that they were right there and Holy Shit he was right. I needed to get my gifts out of my bag and ready Pronto, because I made Ruki a drawing on the plane and I made Uruha a cute little gift bag with specially made stickers, a kitkat and a note I wrote him. (I wanted something for everyone but work got in the way and I ran out of time..) ANYWAY my baggie for Uruha got caught in the zipper of my purse. Like. Really caught bad. The line was still moving. Panic ensued. My boyfriend was behind me so i asked him to help if he could. He couldn't get it.
Then Aoi was right in front of me. The caught present would have to wait for later. I don't remember exactly what I said. A stammering excited ramble while we clasped hands. He was an amazing guitarist, beautiful, things like that. He makes eye contact. They all make good eye contact but especually Aoi. They all have soft warm hands. But each handshake passes in the blink of an eye before I can process it. My brain is a scrambled mess.
Reita. I thank him and pause briefly to think of something personal I can actually say to him. I gave an enthusiastic "You Rock", to which he smiles and agrees with a nod. "Yes!", he says. It was really cute. Probably could have said something more meaningful but at least i'm sure he understood me. Mostly everyone else got an incoherent mess of trying to say as much as I could in such a brief time period.
Ruki. I totally forget I have a present for him by the way. Im holding his hands and busy being Dazzled at how gorgeous he is in person. It's incredible. I tell him he's an amazing singer and i've always looked up to him. Throw in a few other compliments in the fleeting moment before I have to move on. Not sure how much he understands but he smiles and thanks me a couple times.
Kai. He's just glowing and beaming. Smiles so bright. Its very cute. I tell him hes an awesome drummer. I honestly forget what else I said. As I was moving between him and Uruha I remembered Uruhas stuck present. And that made me remember I was supposed to give Ruki a present. Oh shit. Panic. Reach in my bag and slide the piece of paper across the table to him. "Sorry! This is for you!" I don't mean to be chaotic I just really want him to have it. Luckily its my own boyfriend I interrupted his meeting with. Ruki seems amused and thanks me again. Hopefully he actually is and doesnt think i'm rude.
Fiddling with the god damned stuck gift bag as I step over to Uruha in a panic. Eyes wide. Stop to shake his hands. No freaking clue what I even ramble out to him I forget. Im panicking over the present because I dont have long til I have to go. I let go of his hands to fiddle with it again because I Really want him to have it. I worked really hard on it. I realize last second that i can just pull the gifts Out of the little baggie and drop them out on the table in front of him in a panic. "Kit-kat.." I drop it. He thanks me. Im sure I look like a mess. Not sure if he's frightened or flatterd by my determination as the staff starts to try to usher me along. "Stickers-!" I say as I put those down too. Really not sure he even understood what that meant. He might just think its a drawing. Don't know. But he of course thanks me. The poor staff lady is tapping at my shoulder trying to get me to leave. I still have the notecard that has to go with the stickers. I'm apologizing repeatedly to everyone involved as I finally get that to him as well and leave as quickly as possible so as to not cause chaos or hold up the line.
I get outside and meet back up with Brittney and my boyfriend who of course think the whole ordeal was Hilarious. I am mortified and I hope Uruha doesn't think i'm a lunatic. I like to tell myself he probably just thought it was funny but I have no way to know.
We all go to waffle house because its late and we are all starving. My boyfriend is in awe over how tiny Ruki is and he thinks its adorable. Brittney Genuinely misremembered and thought Ruki was sitting down at the meet and greet even though everyone else was standing?? We laugh our asses off. I'm still embarrassed but overall I had an awesome unforgettable night. I hope I didn't leave too bad of an impression. I'm sorry that was so long, i'm a writer and I like to ramble.
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disposedserenity · 4 years
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*rough* review of MOTS:7
The title might say review, but it’s really just my own thoughts that I want to share in the form of verbal vomit. STREAM while u read.
1) Interlude: SHADOW I loved the song right away on first listen. The extended version is soooo good, because it traces back to yoongi’s iconic ‘I want big house, big cars, big rings’ line from NMD. Thematically, this is my favourite concept out of the 3 rap line solos (Persona, Shadow & Ego). Yoongi songs all immediately reasonate with me because the stuff he writes about are what I’ve experienced at one point in my life.... and I feel so deeply when yoongi is rapping about it. At this point, I could go on forever about why I love yoongi songs so much but I will stop here.
2) Black Swan
It took me about three listens to fully appreciate the song, but I KNEW I was going to love it when I heard that trap beat and the bump bump bump lyric... Then I watched the performance, and I just loved it even more. For years, I’ve been fervently wishing that bts (especially jimin) would do a contemporary dance and I AM SO GLAD THEY DID!! Speaking of the dance, that’s another analysis on it’s own.... The way they match the dance steps to the lyrics.... Also this song lined up right after shadow makes perfect sense because Shadow talks about losing yourself into the deepest and darkest recesses of your soul while in Black Swan, the boys step into that shadow and confront it because they realise you have to make peace with your shadow to emerge triumphant.
3) Filter
I swear, this could be an Alec Benjamin song because this song has Alec Benjamin VIBES all over. Well, I guess jimin took inspiration from him because he put a ton of alec’s songs on his spotify playlist and even went to his concert so yey! Both their voice tones are similar ish because it’s very distinct and their singing voices are quite different from their speaking voices so it’d be really cool if they made a song together. Funnily enough, I don’t really like this song as much as I thought I’d would. It’s not a bad song, but I think I don’t gravitate to this song as much because this song was written about jimin for jimin and it’s really himself that he’s singing it to.
This song also radiates BIG libra energy. Libras love changing and moulding their personalities to please other people and they put on various personas to showcase the multi-faceted sides of themselves (sorry, just a huge astrology enthusiast here lolol). Filter has a narcissist undertone to it done in a purposeful manner. The protagonist of this song KNOWS he’s desired and is flaunting it in any way possible. They are aware of the power they hold and are wielding it to control the listener (the pursuers) Ahahaha sounds like someone we know? Recently, I told a friend that Jimin is really good at fan service. He’s the idol of idols, his face and name gets recognised first, everyone wants to be him AND be with him.... To sum it up, filter is jimin showing the world that he has many sides and it doesn’t matter which we are going to choose because he can adapt to whichever one you please (this push and pull reminds me a lot of house of cards hmm...)
4) My Time
Jungkook definitely has some magic where his song always gets to me and I immediately like the song. I think he excels in laying out his emotions bare and this creates a perfect canvas for telling his story. I definitely cannot relate to what he talks about in My TIme because I am not a jetsetting global superstar who vary between time zones (not that I know of), yet I still feel like I’ve been in his exact footsteps and know that feeling. This, my friends, is what true skill looks like. The rarest of musicians are able to write a song about themselves and make it relevant to almost everyone. It’s an impossible task. Yet, this golden maknae has succeeded once again.
In Begin, he talks about leaving Seoul to pursue his dreams and dedicates that song to his 6 members, his 6 newfound brothers, the hardships they go through and again, this hits you hard. You might not have left your hometown at a young age, but everyone has left something or someone behind in their lives. Euphoria ALWAYS makes me melancholic even though I clearly 1) am not young, 2) do not have a first love 3) minus bts, would NOT call anyone the cause of my euphoria but shit, jungkook out here got me feeling things and tearing up.
Thank you jungkook for constantly expressing your thoughts in such a clear way in any song you write, and My Time is no exception (and it sounds like such a r&b banger too)
5) Louder than Bombs
TROYE! SIVAN! You absolutely can hear troye’s fingerprints all over this song because this song sounds like a troye song (in the best way possible, because I looooove troye and his music) This is another classic “happy sounding but sad af lyrics” bangtan moment. Louder than Bombs is a good midway point in the album because they are crossing into the sad, aggressive, heart tearing, no bullshit songs territory.
(I don’t have a lot to say about this because I really love this song and sometimes with songs that I like, I just sit back and enjoy for what it is.)
6) ON
OKAY NOW LET’S GET INTO FORMATION! (yes, this was the first thing that it reminded me of hahaha and her superbowl half time performance had a marching band too) THIS.IS.SUCH.AN.ABSOLUTE.EARWORM. I LOVE IT. The 30 second preview made me so intrigued because it only featured the “hey na na na” part so I wondered what ON would sound like. I was NOT expecting it to sound like that, but what can I say? BTS always blows me away with their title tracks.
Speaking of formation, hooooo boy do I love the formation of this choreography. Mad props to The Lab for pulling this out of their hat because IT IS SO IMPRESSIVE. The set up reminds me of dionysus too, in the way that the choreography is being arranged in the live performances. Big ups to the Blue Devils marching band too, because even though you can’t really see much of them in the mv (or maybe I’m too focused on the boys lol) but you can hear the marching band so much clearer in the audio and I am LIVING for it. Overall, I am utterly thrilled by this masterpiece.
7) UGH!
*gunshots* alright back to 2013 bangtan let’s go. UGH, when will rap line stop making a banger? never I guess, UGH. lord, just let me get dissed by rap line once and then life would be better.
I. fucking. love. the. rap. line. I am definitely not smart enough to try to analyse or decipher the lyrics even with translations because their wordplay is on a whole other level. With cyphers and ddaeng, I really shouldn’t be surprised anymore but I still am. They manage to outdo themselves with every new song they release together. RM, Suga and J-Hope are great on their own but you put them TOGETHER? in one STUDIO? god help us all when this is performed live because someone’s gonna get headbanged out of the venue. I’ll end this with a silent prayer for a rap line concert.....
8) 00:00
This song is so, so, so painful. This song is what Tonight is to me. Ok I’m going to get a whole lot more personal here.
I was in a fucking terrible internship last year during the period Persona was released (I’m actually quite thankful this song wasn’t released then or I’d really have full on goblin ugly cry listening to this). That was the worst job experience I’ve ever had in my life (lao tian ye please don’t deal me any more shitty hands). I spent every day wishing that my misery would end soon and I physically did not want to go to work the next day. Every morning, I was almost crying to have to get up to go to work (and because it was an almost 2 hour journey to the office). By the time I reached home, all I could do was eat (if I had an appetite) and retire to my room and lie on the floor and just stare into my ceiling while mindlessly scrolling through social media looking for some sort of solace. Some days, even bts wasn’t doing it for me. Even though I managed to get out of that hellhole before the end date, the trauma (lol can I call it that?) and emotions stayed with me throughout the rest of the year. Only one friend knew I had depression and constantly asked me about it (thank you friend, even though you won’t read this...) and I even looked up therapists in singapore.
The lyrics ‘An unsettling night, suddenly, I look at the clock. Soon, it’s 12 O’Clock. Will something change. It probably won’t be the case’ hits so hard because this describes my situation to a T. By the time I got home, it was about 8.30 and by the time I snapped out of my mindlessness, it was almost midnight and this cycle just carried on for months. 
Zero O’Clock
And you gonna be happy
Midnight is both a happy and sad hour, because for some it could signal the end of their misery or their happiness. Back then, it was my hell because it meant a new hellish day was approaching. Looking back now, I realise it could have been a tiny form of happiness because it meant that the days are passing and the end to my pain was getting closer.
So thank you Jin, Jungkook, V and Jimin for creating such a beautiful song that I didn’t know would end up being so personal. Putting aside the meaning, it is such a great song that I’d put on repeat. But I’m scared to call this a favourite because of how intimate this is for me so I hope y’all understand. But, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
9) Inner Child
This sounds like it should be a in a drama or anime haha. The “whoa ohhhh” vocals in the backgrounds reminds me a lot of Jet Lag too. Inner Child is a very fitting title because as V described, it is a letter to his past self. As an ARMY, I’ve witnessed how much V has matured over the past few years. I mean even though all of the members have also grown, V’s transformation is the one that stands out the most (at least to me). Tae went from a bright eyed outgoing kid to a still outgoing but deeply contemplative adult in front of millions of adoring fans and strangers alike, and I cannot imagine how that must be like for him. V is a notoriously private person, and we know the least about if you reeeally think about it. I will never (nor do I want to) know what goes through his mind but I appreciate the fact he reveals a tiny glimpse of it in his songs (scenery, winter bear and now inner child).
10) Friends
CAN YOU SPELL SOULMATES? NO YOU CAN’T, BECAUSE THERE IS NO VMIN IN IT. Ships are cute and all, but vmin has trascended beyond what ships are and I’m convinced they are all part of a bigger plan arranged by the Almighty that no matter what happens, they will always find each other in their four lives (can you tell I’ve been watching Goblin lolol). Recently, I was listening to a podcast by Jae and the episode was about the probability of soulmates. One of the questions he posed was what is a soulmate? To me, I believe that soulmates exist in many forms. There are the romantic soulmates (hi glenn & benn), friendship soulmates, family soulmates, strangers soulmates and even a bond between a pet and a human. I now think there should be another category of soulmates and that is vmin. *cries I want what vmin have* Not everyone manages to find their soulmates. The lucky ones do, and the rest of us will have to settle for second best.
Also kudos to Jimin for his first ever produced song! woohoo
11) Moon
When I first read that this was a song about Jin’s love for ARMY, I braced myself for a full waterfall of tears. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how happy this song sounds??? (thanks jin for not making me cry again like tonight did). Now that I think about it, of course Jin would make a happy love song (pffft saggis). As we all know, Jin’s way of comforting himself is to comfort others through laughter, smiles and lotsa dad jokes. No one else but Jin would and I love him even more for this. He takes the idea of what you’d think a love song would sound like and turn it around. SAD? NOT IN JINHIT ENTERTAINMENT.
Jin, know that you are more than a handsome face and the oldest member. You are loved more than you think you are. You think you’re the moon to us? No hun, you are the entire galaxy contained in those worldwide shoulders.
12) Respect
My favourite track. I mean starting with that iconic “should I stay or should I go” line? Genuis. Collab of the year. Namgi of the year. Ok, maybe I am slightly (alot) bias since this song is essentially Suga, RM & El Capitixn (yes, THE El Capitixn that helped to produce DDAENG).
Namgi dynamics are so rarely talked about because most people see them as the underground rapper duo who’ve known each other over 10 years and are old friends and that’s about it. Their dynamics just gets to me even more because the trust and respect they have for each other is incredible. Joon looks up to yoongi as an older member and also for his incredible work ethic, while yoongi trusts joon wholeheartedly as their leader even though joon is younger and the way they banter off each other? ugh, where can I get bros like namgi? Their rap and producing styles are so vastly different yet the result that is respect makes ME respect them. Use me as your slave, masters.
bonus: that ending clip of them just having a convo? please share your stories from back in the day, please. I said please. with a cherry on top.
13) We are Bulletroof: the Eternal
Is this MOTS : 7′s answer to Mikrokosmos? I can already imagine this as the ending song of a concert..... A perfect tune to end the album as well. Who knew my attraction to the number seven had a deeper meaning than just simply liking it huh? Is my life preplanned too.... @ universe  give me answers. I really like how this song did not go the WABB Part 1 & 2 route and took a softer approacher indeed. It’s almost like they are saying we were seven hardened boys made more tender with the existence of armys.... ok bitch don’t make me cry anymore than I have been suppressing.
“we are not seven, with you” :’))))
14) Outro: Ego
This is the kind of song that gets better the more you listen to it. Not that it was bad on the first listen, but usually such bright and positive songs takes a while longer for the emo in me to process. I say this all the time that I almost sound like a broken recorder, but I LOVE LOVE how hobi has crafted a sound for him that is uniquely his and you will be able to immediately recognise it’s him (which is such a hard feat to pull off, might I add). I’m also immensely proud because he started out as a street dancer to becoming one of the best rappers in the industry while holding his rightful candle alongside two already established rappers that is namgi. I cannot wait to see this being performed live because you just know he’ll get everyone and their grandmas to start vibin right there.
In conclusion, I love bts. what else is there more to say.
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nagatsukinura119 · 5 years
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Japan Expo Malaysia Day 2 (27 July 2019) Part 1
Note: This report needs to be split into 2 parts. Because it’ll be long. You’ll see why.
Alright, before the day started, I met up with an online friend (let’s just call her N) and we decided to watch some performances before AKB48’s arrival. I’ve promised to see KiREI again with Hanapii the day before so of course I’d see them again. I hoped they would remember me. From the start of their performance Hanapii had already noticed me and waved at me (man was I so happy that I vigorously waved at her). I got a lot of attention from them, especially from Hanapii and Mianyan. Their bright smiles, their waves, their nods, all of those, so many of those would make anyone fall for them. N, who was standing beside me got pretty excited too and she could see why I fell for them because their fanservice was so good! As I busied myself shifting between taking pictures, recording and waving at them, I realized the reason why they noticed and waved at me so much was because N, who was taller than me (well I’m a smol potato so pretty much everyone is taller than me lmao) waved at them and kept pointing at me and making peace signs at the back of my head lmaoooo. No wonder the girls were smiling so much! (Thanks N, love you so much for this). Side note is that I really, really loved Hanapii’s hairstyle for the 2nd day, she looked so adorable. Chori-chan’s hairstyle reminds me a lot of Takamina, with her long hair and the red ribbon. And Mianyan’s smile was so wide that I legit had to look away most of the time our eyes met hahahaha.
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Time for the meet-and-greet. Once again I felt like I was the only girl who joined the line (actually I think there was one girl who wanted to join but after asking me how much each Cheki ticket and shirt and towel cost, she turned around. I couldn’t blame her though since I was intimidated by the price at first). When it was my turn to buy the tickets, I wanted to get the towel, but decided against it at the last minute lol, the man who was selling them seemed to remember me cuz he was very much more welcoming to me than the customers before me. When it came my turn, Hanapii was so happy she started bouncing while waving at me and calling my name three times (So. Darn. Cute! Also, here’s the thing, I still cannot get used to people calling me with a ‘Chan’ so it literally felt like getting arrowed on the heart). She even started to immediately pat my head (the perks of being smol I guess. Wait...) Unfortunately, that was too much for me to handle so I kinda leaned back a bit while giggling a lot. I hope that didn’t offend her or anything. I also told her that I couldn’t look at her in the eyes because the view was too blinding puhahahah! For the first round, she and I took a picture with a heart pose, and for the second round it was the pa! pose (where we opened both of our palms). While she was signing the polaroid pictures she opened the topic of Twitter. She mentioned that she saw my account (the night before she liked my reply on one of her posts! I just did not expect she’d be one to bring it up) and apparently, she looked at my profile and noticed that I make illustrations and comics. I was legit so very happy that I was blushing so much. I made a promise to her; I would draw them an illustration and comics for them. I thought she was already smiling hard enough but that made her grip my hand (when she wasn’t supposed to) and squealed. She also asked me if it was gonna be in Japanese, to which I said I’d do it in English too, since I make my illustrations and comics in both languages. She then patted my head while saying “Ah~ so smart” in English. I couldn’t help but think that she may own a dog cuz honestly if I had a tail it would be wagging vigorously. She then proceeded to say that she’ll look forward to it and I KNEW that I would make that illustration no matter what. It was time to go so I told her that I would come the next day, to which she said she’d look for me. My thought was like “You know where to look for me since I always attend at your concerts at the same spot” but I didn’t tell her that cuz I didn’t want to sound obnoxious. I went back to N, who was saving our spot and showed her the polaroid pictures and told her my experience and how I’ve really fallen for Hanapii (again) hahahah. So that was the end of KiREI’s experience in Day 2.
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For the rest of time before AKB48’s arrival, N and I were thinking to get something to drink or eat, but since we didn’t want to lose our perfect spot, we just sat on the floor and waited lol. After KiREI, was a performance by Riona Hamamatsu, who was actually a former member of Team 8, like what are the odds, right??? She came in, and man was she pretty!
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What I’m impressed the most about her is how successful she is after leaving AKB48, as according to Aki, she has done several concerts outside Japan. I was at first thought, “Is she good in English”, and THEN she started speaking in perfect English, without an accent which surprised me more, what more can this girl do?? So amazing! When I checked on her, turns out she was raised in Los Angeles until she was 10, which explained her fluency, and that her full name is Riona Crystal Hamamatsu. What I thought was “Well, she definitely has grown and became more successful after leaving AKB. Good for her!!” Her performance opened with her doing a solo dance, and following that were brilliant performances, as she sang some Japanese songs and one song in English. There was one point in her performance that she started throwing 3 colored balls with her signature on them, and to be honest, even though I wasn’t even her fan, I wanted one! Well as expected, she only threw them at the center part of the audience haha.
After Riona, it’s Sorgenti who was performed by brothers Mitsuhiro and Hiroshi, along with their two back dancers. What I loved about their performance and song is how they are a mixture of traditional music and J-pop, so there was a great amount of energy rushed into you and their songs were fun to chant along with. I joined in every one of their chants such as “Ou!” “Washoi!” and “Sore sore!” They were just that fun to follow along. Not to mention their own respective voices were beautiful and honey-like. So their concert was legit fun to attend and makes one very happy to be part of the audience. Furthermore, their smiles were very contagious too!
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The next performer is Banzai Japan, which was an idol group where each member represents their individual prefectures from Japan, so there are 47 members in total, but for this event, there were only 7 performers. What I liked about this group was that they definitely were not afraid to get close to the audience since there were many times they’d stand, squat and dance so close to me and N (which very excited us by the way hahahah). Aside from that, their dances were fun and energetic too and there was one dance I legit wanted to dance along to.
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Last but not least, the one right before AKB48, was DJ Hello Kitty. As her name implies, Hello Kitty donned her bling dress and started to play music to hype the audience as a DJ. Okay, here’s the thing, I knew that by now 99% of the audience was saving their voice and energy for AKB48’s arrival, but holy molly poor DJ Hello Kitty did not get much hype despite playing hype music (okay there were some parts when the audience did follow along but there wasn’t much). The atmosphere was low enough that the hosts (Aki and Austin) had to step up into the stage to rile up the audience. That worked at some level, but N and I still felt quite bad for DJ Hello Kitty, and I did not want her to feel unappreciated so I tried to follow along as much as I could. Honestly this taught me that to be a wota, you have to have high stamina as well as being quite fit in order to not get tired quickly (is this a call for me to start working out???).
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Day 1 report is here! To be continued in Part 2!
Bonus picture:
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(Hi! My flower!!!)
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