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#mont arena
incorrectplanet · 1 year
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jay: welcome to my first vlog, in which I try different hair products.
jay: *sprays hairspray directly into his mouth*
jay: well, I can tell you right off the bat that this one isn’t very good
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sneezyminniejo · 2 years
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Here’s another clip of Beomhan sneezing
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villings · 2 years
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(...) Pero si alguna sombra le bajaba a los ojos, me repetía en sus aguas hasta dar en la arena, y era mi grito nuevo como un tajo en el monte que anegaba las calles y golpeaba las puertas. A veces la montaña se me vestía de flores e iniciaba en mi talle curvas de primavera.
Agua, vida y tierra | Julia de Burgos
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sheawritesstuff · 2 months
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Sam / Darlin Headcanons
[In no particular order]
✩ Sam has stretch marks on his hips and across his back from growing so fast after leaving Mont Blanc
✩ Darlin has a high pain tolerance so they literally don’t realize when they’re seriously injured sometimes
✩ Sam has a lot of faded scars on his hands
✩ Sam is the oldest brother, Darlin is a middle child - they both had to leave their younger siblings behind and still feel bad about it
✩ The younger pack members think Sam is the absolute coolest even though they don’t get to see him very often
✩ Sam still has David’s name saved as Mr. Shaw in his phone
✩ Since Sam convinced Darlin to start eating actual food they are BUILT - their muscles aren’t super lean and defined anymore, but they’re noticeably stronger
✩ Occasionally when they’re stressed Darlin will shift and lay directly on top of Sam like a wolf-shaped weighted blanket
✩ Sam hates the question “are you a tea or coffee person?” because people rarely accept his answer of “both”
✩ Darlin was very uneasy about any kind of physical touch after Quinn, especially skin-to-skin, so they almost exclusively wore clothes that covered their entire body for about a year - they feel safe enough to wear tank tops and shorts now
✩ Darlin likes holding both sides of Sam’s face when they kiss
✩ Sam pretends to be more oblivious to modern media than he really is 
✩ Before turning, Sam needed glasses - for a while afterwards he would still wear them out of habit
✩When shifted, Darlin is one of the biggest wolves in the pack
✩ When he was younger, Sam used to fight in shady arenas for some quick cash
✩ Darlin knows how to play bass
✩ Sam shaved his head after leaving Mont Blanc and after turning as his way of “starting his new life” - he keeps it fairly long now but makes an effort to keep it trimmed and maintained
✩ Darlin has convinced Sam to paint his nails with them at least once
✩ Sam looks like his dad but he has his mom’s eyes and her smile
✩ Sam dances like a tipsy suburban dad at a backyard barbecue
✩ Darlin has a habit of glaring like they’re about to murder the next person who enters their line of sight when they’re actually just thinking about what they want for dinner
✩ Sam was raised on a ranch so he knows how to ride horses, herd cattle, etc.
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dgrailwar · 9 days
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Round 2, Day 2 - MOONCANCER vs. AVENGER
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"…The delivery guy was supposed to be here by now. I really don't wanna go outside and check… the outside world is dangerous… but I guess I'll have to give it my pico-best. So, one glance! Then we return to our hiding place, and never leave again. Zero social interaction, zero eye contact, zero conversation-- alright, let's go!"
She stepped outside, climbing up the basement steps and emerging in an alleyway. She looked around, before catching sight of someone. She pointed.
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"Ohh, look… a handsome guy. He'd totally fit into an otome game… Forget it, I'm way outta his league, and you guys are too if you're hanging with a NEET. He probably wouldn't even notice--"
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A moment passed, as the 'handsome man' in the alleyway caught sight of the MoonCancer… and smiled.
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"Eh? Eh, eh, eeeeh? Wait a second-- look! He's approaching? He's smiling at me? Is it finally happening? My 'meet cute' romance flag?"
He was approaching. Slowly and carefully, as they locked eyes. They could both feel the mana in the air, dense and terrifying. Divinity clashing against something far darker.
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"…An enemy Servant." The Avenger said, carefully. "And one of great magical power, I can feel it. As expected of an Extra-Class!"
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"Geh-- Great magical power? M-M-Me?! Wait--!" You could see the color drain from the MoonCancer's face, as she slowly began to back up. "L-L-Listen, I'm really just hanging out-- I'm practically a civilian! I'm barely even a S-Servant! Can't you cut me some slack?"
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"…No."
He drew a blade. A sword, roiling with bitter flames, as he pointed it towards her.
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"Servant of the Holy Grail War. My Masters have given me the order to kill you, mademoiselle… and therefore, you will witness hell."
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"See?! This is why going outside is dangerous! Every flag is a red flaaaaag!"
Ganesha: +7%
The Count of Monte Cristo: +4%
Both Ganesha and the Count gain a +1% boost due to their Defensive choices in the previous round!
Servant Skills:
Ganesha (MoonCancer)
Ganesha's defensive play was interrupted! Her skill boosts will reset next round!
Vinayaka (EX Rank): When 'Playing Defensively' gain a +5% bonus to scores, and you cannot be caught off guard. If you are unbothered, then this increases by 1% each time you are not attacked, resetting back to 5% once you're engaged in combat. However, this negates the inherent MoonCancer trait of ‘being unable to be targeted while Playing Defensively’. (Current boost: +6%)
Broken Tusk (B Rank): When engaged in a 1-on-1 confrontation (while not Playing Defensively), gain a +3% boost. Additionally, apply the MoonCancer Class Trait of 'not taking damage if there's a 3% difference in scores' to 1-on-1 battles as well. If Ganesha has been ‘Playing Defensively’ uninterrupted for 3 or more turns (in a row), when she goes on the offense, her attack bonus increases from 3% to 6% for that specific round. (Current defensive turn count: 1)
MOONCANCER-CLASS Servants are experts in manipulating the world and environment to take advantage. They cannot be targeted while 'Playing Defensively'. Additionally, when engaged in a Free-for-All, they gain a +3% boost, and if they score last place and there's at least a 3% difference in their score and 2nd place, they may avoid damage.
The Count of Monte Cristo (Avenger)
Determination of Steel (EX Rank): If Avenger is about to take a fatal wound, if there's at least a 3% difference in their score and the victor above him, he may avoid damage. When facing a single-target (1-on-1), he will gain a +3% boost.
Monte Cristo Mythologie: The King of the Cavern (C Rank): When battling enemies, his flames are like a poison. He reduces demerits against him by 3%, and when he is victorious against another, he inflicts a -2% demerit for their next round. This demerit increases by 2% by every 10% difference in scores.
AVENGER-CLASS Servants are vengeful by nature. The first time they are defeated by a Servant, they gain an automatic +2% bonus against that specific Servant, without needing to study them (but can in order to increase the bonus). They gain a permanent +3% bonus per wound they attain that will remain if the wound remains, but will disappear if the wound is healed.
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{The Tripple Cone Cup!}
《The royal of the renowned cookie kingdom has arrived!》
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"Your highness, we've arrived." Raspberry Cookie states, her chest slightly puffed up in pride for being chosen to protect you and your fellow cookies. What an honor for House Raspberry!
Gingerbrave stood beside you as the two of you watched the clouds fade away and the air blimp slowly falls to the landing area.
"Wow... Everything looks so amazing!" The younger cookie announced. You let out a chuckle, full-heartedly agreeing with him.
With the aid of Raspberry Cookie, your court, and company help you get off the air-ballon. The garb you wore, was hand-made by Mont-Blanc, who had to choose the colors of the outfit to represent your kingdom.
"Sweet mother of dough!"
"No way!"
"Who is that cookie?"
"They look like royalty!"
Other cookies whisper as they see your group.
You do your best to have your head held high, but all you wanted to do was hide.
Ignoring the whispers or glares some of your cookies throw at passersby. You all head inside the arena.
"My goodness, it's been some time, your highness." Elder Sugar Cookie greets you, you nod to her and Financier Cookie.
"It has, it's nice to see you again!" You reply as she smiles at you.
"You must join me later for some scones and such, it would be an honor, truly."
"Of course, but I'm only here as a spectator with my.." You wanted to say, friends, but you remembered the etiquette lessons you forced yourself to learn to appease the elder cookies of the Crème Republic "Court."
"I see, well, please consider my offer when you have the time."
Financier bows respectively at you, holding in her smile as she accompanied Elder Sugar Cookie back to her chambers.
"Ah! The great ruler of the cookie kingdom, I bow to you with the utmost respect!" A new voice states, turning your head, you see a cookie with a microphone in hand.
"Hello, Gelato Tripple Cone cookie, were you the one that sent the invitation?"
"Yes, indeed! I'm surprised, but utterly great full you accepted."
You wave your hand dismissively, "no I should be thanking you. I've never been to such a place before, the island is beautiful."
"I thank you once more, your highness! Please allow me to escort you and your guests to your rooms."
-
After dropping off the luggage in your chambers, Gelato Tripple Cone takes you and your friends to the spectator's lounge.
(What you didn't know was that it was specifically made for only your group instead of the other cookie attendees.)
Gelato Tripple Cone cookie finishes his speech before he pays tribute to... Well.. You.
"Many gracious thanks for The Royal of The Cookie Kingdom! [Title] (Y/N) Cookie! May we have a few words, your highness?
Gelato Tripple Cone comes to your both, holding the microphone out to you.
You take the mic carefully, the anticipation in the audience could be cut with a knife.
"M-may blessings be upon you, all of you. Whether you win or lose, just know, that you are still the pride of your school. You worked hard to be here, never lose sight of that. G-good luck to you!"
You wanted to hurl, that speech wanted awful.
Excited cheers and scream were heard all over the arena.
The champions of the event bowing to you with respect. "Th-that was beautiful your majesty!!" Tripple Cone cried dramatically.
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"Did you see that!'' "I can't believe it!?"
Parfeadia Principle, Crème Kights Preceptor, and Headmaster of Scovilla all stand before you. They bow their heads as their chosen cookies do the same.
"Your majesty, may we humbly request your blessings for our representatives."
Shocked by this, you do your best to not freak out and figure out how to give a blessing without making a fool out of yourself.
-
[Thank you for reading! Comments, reblog and art are appreciated!]
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charlescoded · 1 month
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dune au??????? pls say more
i watched part 1 on a monday evening bc i was going to see part 2 in the theatre the next day, and then val opened my eyes to the paul/feyd angle and i've not been able to stop thinking about it ever since 😵‍💫 anyway, it's an arranged marriage au... here's the first page:
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The hallway looks the same as all others, like a labyrinth of passages. Sleek and dark, made of the highest grade metals. Every few steps, a door is carved into the walls. None open at his attempts to surpass them, each looking the exact same as those before it.
It’s safe to say that Charles has gotten himself lost.
He’s been here for two days. Most of his time has been spent locked away in his temporary quarters located in the quest wing, or preparing for his wedding day. There will be plenty of festivities, most of them violent, or involving copious amounts of drinks, or some both. He’ll be happy if he never has to see another slaughter at the arena again, but he knows he won’t have such luck. His husband-to-be, the na-baron, Max Verstappen, is known far and wide as a great warrior. A true fighter.
Charles knows how Max is described by the sisterhood: Intelligent, hungry, cruel, possessive, a merciless leader. He also knows Max, has since they were barely into their teens, and has loathed him for just as long. Capable of kindness, determined, and above all, fiercely loyal, he knows he does not have to fear Max like he should the baron.
It was the Baron who approved of their match. Ferrari had always planned for it, for them to be together, for Charles to bear him a daughter, but then he himself had been born a son instead of a daughter. It was considered a disgrace. A damning choice, made by his mother.
But rare as it might be, even as a male Charles could still bear children, and Ferrari sought to use him in the exact way his mother had tried to prevent, to continue House Verstappen’s bloodline.
He didn’t know until three days ago, on his last night on Monte Carlo, his home planet.
“This area is restricted.” Charles startles at the sound of the voice. He turns around to argue, but finds himself backed into a wall with a blade pressed against his throat instead. He curses himself for getting distracted.
When the blade lifts ever so slightly away from his skin, he presses his lips into a thin line. “I got lost.” He says flatly.
His assailant rolls his eyes. “I’m sure you did.” Max says, mimicking his tone, “You’re supposed to be in your room, princess.”
Charles tries hard not to scowl, but from the twitch in Max’s lip, it seems like he failed to hide his annoyance either way. “I’ve been trying to get there for about an hour. Like I said, I got lost.”
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1634archive · 10 days
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TAMPA, FL - APRIL 17: John Tavares #91, Mitch Marner #16, Auston Matthews #34 and Noah Gregor #18 of the Toronto Maple Leafs watch the play on the ice against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on April 17, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Vince Del Monte/NHLI via Getty Images)
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las-microfisuras · 7 months
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Soy feliz. Hacía tanto tiempo que no podía decir esto: ¿qué será lo que me transmite esta sensación tan íntima y precisa de alegría, de ligereza? Nada. O casi. Un silencio maravilloso me rodea: la habitación del hotel, en la que llevo cinco minutos, da a un gran monte, muy verde, con alguna que otra casa modesta y normal. Llueve. El murmullo de la lluvia se mezcla con unas voces distantes, densas, incalculables. La terracita de delante brilla por la lluvia y sopla un aire fresco.
La sensación de paz y de aventura que siento en este hotel del interior de Isquia es una de las cosas que la vida, a estas alturas, te brinda sólo muy raramente. Un lugar donde me parece haber estado siempre. Me hace pensar en el Friul, en Carnia, en Emilia. Sólo de vez en cuando una voz cercana me recuerda que estoy en el Sur. Me espera algo formidable: aquello que uno espera cuando es niño, el primer día de vacaciones, cuando todavía tiene por delante un verano eterno.
¿Cómo he llegado aquí? Cuando lo pienso, ahora que sólo hace unos minutos que me hallo sumido en esta paz doméstica, me parece que llevo a mis espaldas un viaje homérico.
De ser capaz, me gustaría describirlo para aquellos lectores que nunca han salido de su pueblo, su ciudad, salvo para hacer algún breve viaje por la provincia, y que sueñan con Capri e Isquia como yo he soñado con ellas, como un niño. Necesitaría un libro entero, porque no ha ocurrido nada: sólo han ocurrido las cosas que pertenecen tan sólo a la vida, y que, al cabo de cinco minutos, mueren. 
- PIER PAOLO PASOLINI, de La larga carretera de arena (La lungha strada di sabbia) Gallo Nero 2018, traducción de David Paradela López.
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huellas-poeticas · 9 months
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El mar estaba lejos.
Pero en el aire húmedo de la mañana
se percibía un vago olor salado y rumoroso.
Fue entonces cuando el hombre despertó.
Guardó en su pecho las hermosas imágenes del sueño
y emprendió su camino.
Atrás fueron quedando
las ciudades, los pueblos, las aldeas
que el afán de los hombres levantara.
Atravesó también bosques umbrosos,
tierras resecas, valles pensativos.
Pasaron muchas horas. Y ya el sol último
arrojaba los restos de su incendio
a las cimas de los montes más altos.
Y el caminante se adentró en la noche
como un dios en su soledad.
Ahora la luna brilla en el centro del cielo
y su plena mirada contempla con amor
la juventud del hombre y su quimera.
El mar estaba aún lejos. Pero ya podía oírse
su canción misteriosa.
La madrugada
refrescaba las sienes fatigadas del hombre,
que siguió caminando y advirtió
una presencia humana en la lejana orilla.
Una hermosa muchacha lo veía acercarse:
eran grandes sus ojos;
su cabello, oscuro como el viento nocturno:
su cuerpo, silvestre y frágil.
Intensamente se miraron,
y el silencio les hizo comprenderse.
Abandonaron sus ropas en la arena
y juntos penetraron en las oscuras aguas.
Eloy Sánchez Rosillo
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skazoo · 1 year
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dance of the thieves.
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↳ han jisung x f!reader x bang chan
in the casino, the cardinal rules are to keep them playing and to keep playing them. what happens when they play you?
length. 3.4k
genre. con artist!au, poly!au, kinda enemies to lovers, crack, fluff, a little bit angsty,
warnings/tags. language, mention of sex, mention of violence, alcohol consumption
networks. @kflixnet
notes. here i am again with a fic vaguely inspired by the daydream i had while watching ocean's 11 for the 10th time! yay!
i wrote this in the middle of the night because i was scared of losing the inspiration but i like how it turned out...
ALSO! 87% sure there will be a part 2 bc i'm kinda a slut for this trio. just kinda tho. a nee way, pls tell me if you want to be tagged when pt.2 is out, i'll add you to the taglist!
i'm desperate for feedback and i love comments with your opinion!
(cross-posted on ao3 only)
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it is a truth universally acknowledged by your community that monaco is the playground of the rich and stupid.
monaco is curated gardens and high palm trees; it is fancy cobblestone streets and luxurious sports cars, but above all, monaco is ‘le casino de monte carlo’.
high, ornate ceilings, lavish décor, and artificial bright lights mixed with the incessant fading music in the background are your home and your extremely competitive workplace.
in a business in which predators far outnumber preys, it is vital to assert dominance and to have clear in mind what the goal of the hunt is. the reward one wants to take home.
it is essential to individuate the competition and to always watch your back. always.
that’s why, when you enter the big fancy doors of the casino or ‘arena’ —as your fellow con artists like to call it— you take your time to scan the lobby and the adjacent bar, letting your trained eyes wash over the group of business magnates sitting on the plush sofas on your right and on the few bent heads hovering over refined drinks on your left. 
every time you catch a hard pair of eyes already staring at you with a competitive ferocity, an imperceptible hand movement of someone of your ‘area of expertise’, you let a finger elegantly tap on the small bag you’re mindlessly holding.
tap. tap. tap. tap. tap. tap.
seven, including you. 
they’re all eyeing you warily but only one worries you tonight.
the suffused lights of the bar create a coppery halo around his dark hair and with his perfectly ironed white dress shirt, his elegantly pierced ears, and his small waist you reluctantly understand how his targets always fall for his charms so easily.
you look at him from afar with contempt and you miss a certain pair of unfamiliar eyes following your every move. 
when you reach your self-appointed nemesis at the bar he fakes surprise and with slightly raised eyebrows he puts the drink back on its coaster and turns his body to look at you. amused eyes take you in and you have to resist the urge to scoff at his flirty antics. 
he clears his throat and offers a small nod, taking your hand and helping you onto the stool beside his. “L/N.”
“han.”
when you met han jisung for the very first time you were under all aspects a child. and he was too. 
watching from the sidelines monaco’s fauna come and go from the casino was confusing, especially for two orphans without anything in their name in one of the most disgustingly lavish places ever. 
at age twelve you were running in the streets swindling unaware tourists, snickering away in the warm night, and splitting everything in half. it was fair and organized and you were incredibly proud of the little business you had going on.
 
at fifteen you started to put up a little 'con show', more complicated, more cunning. he talked the victims to death and at his signal, you came into action leaving your target with empty pockets and a sour taste on their tongue. it was thrilling and you were so good at it, you managed to put aside some money for the ‘ji and Y/N leave hell’ fund. 
unfortunately for you, you were not the only one to see your great potential.
as soon as jisung hit legal age, your modest two-bedroom-one-bathroom apartment was stormed by official recruiting letters from the main groups of con artists in the city. they wanted him and he desperately loved that feeling of being wanted, of being needed; it made him feel powerful.
when you started to find in his eyes the same desire for ‘liberation’ you saw in the eyes of your mother when she left your six years old hand on the steps of the decadent orphanage, you made the decision that would have protected your heart in the most jealous way possible. you left him first.
you still remember how he looked: confused, lost, angry.  
but the next day your side of the apartment was completely empty, your keys were left on the hook on the entrance wall and he had wasted no time accepting one of the most well-paid jobs in monaco’s illegal life.
you think about your shared past every time you look at him, even now, as he signals the bartender to make your usual and he does it with such confidence that you have to look away from a mix of annoyance and nostalgia, regret, longing. 
“didn't see you there, colleague.”
“didn’t see me? you’ve been staring at me from the moment i stepped foot in here, colleague.” your tone is mockingly sweet but you know he can’t (or won't) understand it.
he winks. 
always, always so flirty, and for what? 
“maybe i was but can you really blame me? coming here looking like this… who could resist such a vision?”  
you scoff tiredly. “hopefully not my target. i kinda want to get home early tonight.”
he nods in acknowledgment and swirls the dark content of his glass with mellow boredom.
you take a peek at the time on his expensive watch and sigh. just a few more minutes and your prey will walk into the casino. just a few minutes and you clock in for the evening. 
“who are you here for today?” your lack of interest must not be that evident because his eyes sparkle with mischief and excitement.
he finishes eating an olive and smiles to himself. “music prodigy, genius producer, got even a bunch of big names lining up for him. got rich really fast and wants to spend everything he has in here tonight.”
he takes a sip of his sickening sweet drink and licks his lips; dark gaze never leaving your eyes. he’s got your attention and not only for his shameless seduction tactics. 
he’s dangerously close to describing the man you’re waiting for tonight.
“he was here for the grand prix but i’ve asked around,” he gets closer and you can feel his sweet cherry breath tickle your nose, “and he’s going back to seoul tomorrow morning so it should be a quick job.”
“a music producer?” the more he talks the more you feel that familiar annoyance bubble in your chest.
 
it’s not unusual for mishaps like this to happen but why do you always have to choose the same target as han fucking jisung? or way better: why does han fucking jisung always have to choose yours?
“yeah, he’s pretty young and a little bird told me he just broke up with his girlfriend so…” his sing-song voice tells you he’s waiting for you to finish his sentence.
you turn away from him and set your tense eyes on the main entrance. “so what? are you trying to find love? you know that no one loves a liar, right?” 
he scoffs out a laugh. “it’s not that.” he’s starting to get up from his stool and you feel the urge to follow his actions, getting into position before someone can take advantage of your high heels and sweep your ‘date’ for the evening right from under your nose. 
“all i’m saying is that he’s sad and alone and more malleable than ever. i bet i can make him give in in less than an hour-“
“what’s his name, han?”
his smile reaches his eyes and you kinda want to wipe it off with a well-placed slap. “why? you wanna join us?”
“han.”
“okay, okay. chill… his name is bang christopher chan.”
the soft music coming from the grand piano crackles like a broken vinyl and you wish that looks could kill because you are right. again.
“jisung.” you feel your angry voice echo in the small space between you.
wide eyes and a burst of nervous laughter is all he can muster when you stare at him like you want to wipe him off the face of the earth. “what? what did i do? why are you looking at me like that?”
you lower your voice lest anyone hears you. “what did you do? are you sure you want me to tell you what the fuck you did? because i won’t be cute about it.” 
he rolls his eyes like he always does to de-escalate with you, the initial worry, fades into a smug nonchalance. “just tell me and stop being so dramatic, Y/N. also, be quick, i have a job to do.” he’s looking around expectantly. it’s mostly for dramatics —you know it— but you’re getting antsy.
he goes to leave but you grab his arm and squeeze it so hard that it hurts. “wanna go toe to toe with me, han? he is my fucking target, i’ve been gathering information on him for days and i won’t let you take him away from me, understand?”
and there it is. that horribly attractive smirk. the one where a corner of his mouth is more raised than the other, the one that’s always there when he makes you lose your shit, the one you remember all too well. “but sweetheart, he’s not yours.” his lips come in a pout. “he’s actually free real estate for everyone in here and i bet my ass, he’ll be far too gone for me before you even have the time to get him with your little dirty tricks.”
you’re about to bite back but before you can threaten him more, the most stunning man you’ve ever seen in your short, mediocre life, takes a hesitant step into the golden hall.
he looks completely lost and his innocent dark eyes look around nervously, softening his sharp features. his platinum hair frames his face perfectly and reflects the artificial light of the hall making him look like an angel.
beside you, a blushing jisung tries to regain his signature charming composure before diving in the crowd and chasing after the unsuspecting music prodigy.
and just like that, the dance of the thieves begins. again.
you’ve been sitting at this poker table for what feels like hours and your target has lost each and every game, but still finds the motivation to keep taking out of his pockets what seems like infinite fiches; an ever-full flute of sparkling million-dollar champagne in reach and hands softly moving up and down yours and jisung’s thigh.
the evening is fading into night more quickly than you would have liked to if you were under normal circumstances. ‘fantastic, you’re going to have to work overtime again’ is what you would have thought if the company you had was horribly uninteresting but that —fortunately or not— is not the case.
when you and your unintentional ‘hunting mate’ attacked what you both thought was an unsuspecting prey with every sweet word and praise in your modest arsenal, you didn't take into account that bang christopher chan was a huge and terribly skilled flirt.
how can a single man make two of the best con artists —actors, if one will— in the city feel like flustered teenagers talking to their crush? you can’t really understand it and more often than not you just have to exchange an unbelieving look with jisung to see if he is actually seeing this shit too and you’re not just hallucinating in the middle of the casino.
you’re lost in your conspiracy theories when chan’s warm hand taps you twice just below your chin. “something on your mind, baby?”
you gulp and try to hide your blushing face from your sworn enemy into the blond’s shoulder. “no chan, just… i don’t understand why you keep playing if you haven’t won anything.” your tone is mellow, sweet. you see jisung slightly cringe from the other side of the prey.
chan lets out an airy laugh. his cheeks are flushed with the shade of alcohol and you swear you’re being hypnotized because you can’t recognize yourself as you smile fondly at the soft dimples that appear on his angelic face. “you know what they say, baby: ‘lucky at cards, unlucky in love’, and we wouldn’t want that, right hannie?”
jisung almost chokes on his saliva at the slightly slurred nickname and sticks to nodding his head no. it makes him feel giddy having the man’s hot breath tickle his neck. he’s always been sensitive there, you would know, he thinks.
you both watch in awe and, admittedly a little worry as chan elegantly drowns his fourth or fifth glass of champagne of the night, and you and jisung seem to be thinking the same thing because he glances at his wristwatch and then smirks at you in a way that assures you that he’s convinced he’s about to take home the drunk price without breaking a sweat.
“he’s mine, accept it,” he whispers when chan focuses on losing again at the table.
“you really wish you could take him, right?”
“alright, try to see it from my point of view: he’s been all over me the entire time and- ‘hannie’? do you expect him to choose you over me? like for real?”
you unceremoniously kick him under the table. “i’m really trying my absolute hardest to see things from your perspective but i just can’t get my head that far up my ass, i’m sorry.” he fakes offense. “one useful thing you can do is help me get him out of here, c’mon.”
you manage to get chan’s massive, statuary, greek-god body out of the cushioned armchair not without any struggle. he’s now hanging between the two of you, arms slung over your shoulders and you’re trying your best to drag him towards the garden maze, away from prying eyes.
“do you two need a place to stay tonight? you guys are so hot, you know?”
jisung chuckles softly. “are we now, channie?”
you almost lose balance as the blond abruptly stops in his tracks and pins han against the bushy walls of the maze. “i really do think that, baby and you can’t even begin to understand what i would do to the two of you right now if i could.” the last part is breathed out as a promise and at this point, you’re too hot and bothered by the way he possessively holds your waist that you’re ready for everything and anything he has in mind. “you would like that, wouldn’t you Y/N?”
“i- uh, yeah?”
“good girl, i knew you would…” a sentence so unimportant, so utterly insignificant as he slowly starts painting a trail of wet kisses down jisung’s neck, and in response, your colleague lets out a breathy moan.
then chan is laughing again and you know he’s not yet sobered up.
“what the fuck is happening to us!?”
you can see the center of the maze and he starts dragging chan’s body again but it’s evident he’s as shocked as you are. “i don’t fucking know! i just know i want him to do… unspeakable things to us.”
you choke on spit. “us!?”
eyebrows raised to the sky, eyes that look like they’re going to pop off any second now and he raises both his hands, shrugging his shoulders. you don’t even hear the deaf thump of chan’s body dropping dead on the grassy trail. “i guess!? if you were having a hard time noticing, i like you! love you even! since I was old enough to understand what these feelings meant!”
“ji, w-what?” you called him that a lot when you were partners and you can see on his face that he remembers.
“yeah… and- and you hurt me Y/N. you hurt me so much and despite that i still-”
you grimace but you have to stop him. “jisung i’m so sorry but where is chan? where did he go?”
“-what?”
you get back to back with jisung as the lights of the maze shut down for a second and are immediately switched back on, pointed straight at your faces, constricting you in a prison of spotlights. 
from the bushes, in the dark, you can vaguely make out seven silhouettes approaching you slowly, menacingly.
“by the way i just told you that i love you and you didn’t even acknowledge me,” he mutters as to not draw too much attention.
“oh, sorry i’m not reacting to this news with appropriate excitement but i’m really freaking out right now!”
“you don’t have to worry as long as we’re together.”
you throw a surprised look over your shoulder. “oh wow, so now you’re staying?”
“why, what did you expect?”
“i expected you to run, jisung! to leave me just like you did before!
“did i run Y/N?! or was it you? you told me you didn’t need me anymore and i didn’t want to be the weight that kept you from living the life you wanted!”
“you say you loved me but you accepted the job! you didn’t even ask me to stay!”
“because you left our apartment before i could even try anything! i didn’t want the job before you ran away from us!”
a loud and mocking laugh reveals the first of the looming figures from the bushes “my god, chan they’re hilarious, you were right.”
and then he emerges from the shadows in all his sober glory. “now, now minho, you know i don’t lie.” he stares intensely at you and smirks. you can’t even form a coherent thought.
another figure comes into the light. this one is blonde like chan but is dangerously swinging a bat in circles and jisung is sure he doesn’t like that. “i like the chick but are you sure i can’t punch him in the face?” 
“yes, i’m sure hyunjin. calm down.”
“what if i break his nose just a little bit? i mean, it’s not like i’m killing anyone! 
a deep voice from the back echoes in the air. “what do you want? a gold star?!”
you drop your arms from the fighting stance you had. “i’m sorry but who are you all?”
silence drops. the only thing that resonates in the small center of the maze is chan’s feet crunching the gravel under his elegant shoes. when he’s close enough that you can smell his cologne he opens his arms and six shadows spread out on his sides like wings. “we’re stray kids,” he pauses, “and you’re going to be working with us from now on.”
“and like i already said, i don’t lie. i do want to do things to both of you.”
“to us?” jisung’s voice is high with excitement.
“to you, with you, we'll see where this journey takes us, won’t we baby?” 
you can’t stop yourself from letting out a little squeal and he smiles. 
“see, you two are too much fun to rot in this city.”
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SIX MONTHS LATER. 
you wish you could stay like this forever. you really do. but you have a job to prepare for and they know it too even if they're blatantly choosing to avoid the truth.
the bed sheets smell clean, the tropical sun is warm on your skin, a soft breeze makes the white curtains fly around the room, and you can hear the sound of the waves crashing on the shore just outside the beautiful beach house with the occasional loud laughter of changbin who's playing some stupid game with the others on the porch.  
so, yes. it's hard to get up from the white-lined bed especially if you're basically head-locked into the strongest and bulkiest chest you've ever had the pleasure of sleeping on.
you shift slightly and chan whines from under you. he can be such a baby when things are not to his liking and you honestly love this drowsy part of him.
you prop yourself on his chest and start to leave on his smooth chest little pecks, bites. some are harsher and you can feel him tense. "channie, baby, i have to get things ready for tonight." he stirs. "and you and ji should too, you know?"
at his name being uttered with such affection, the other man slowly blinks and fondly stares up at you from his sheltered position under chan's arm. he watches you as you talk to your lover and can't help but smile. just smile at how happy and calm you look despite the uncertain past he knows you both had.
you catch him watching you and he's happy you don't keep to yourself the airy chuckle that leaves your parted mouth.
you lean over chan's body to reach your old nemesis. one kiss on the forehead, one on the nose, and the last -the most important, jisung thinks- on his mouth. sweet, long.
at the commotion, chan releases you from his hold and turns to hug the other man. 
now you can prepare for what awaits you all this evening. 
the all-time greatest heist of your life.
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incorrectplanet · 1 year
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star masters: can you perform under pressure?
jay: no, but i could take a stab at ‘bohemian rhapsody’.
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sneezyminniejo · 2 years
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During MONT’s monopoly game vlive yesterday, Jay faked a triple sneeze while the rap team was playing the whisper challenge
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kullabergs · 7 months
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CTJL MONACO, MONTE CARLO 1.30M CLASS – 3:15PM
And so she found herself astride on another midnight black stallion, several years after her soulmate had retired from showing. They were each others’ complete opposites; where he was grouchy, Capri was kind. Where he was demanding, Capri was lenient. Where he was strong, Capri was gentle. Yet they both gave Iris that indescribable, unsurmountable feeling in the saddle. She hadn’t found him in any other horse before, until now. She experienced a mixture of melancholy and euphoria when they were about to enter their first international show together, as her memories of someone so different yet so alike, blended in with what was yet to come. Even though this was a big moment for the two of them, her mind still couldn’t grasp the earlier events of the day, it all came back to her in dizzying glimpses; surprise, anger, confusion … Her name sounded in the speakers and she came out of her haze as she spun her head around and briefly locked eyes with the source of all the chaos in her mind. She gently shook her head, took a deep breath and put all her focus back on Capri; on the bubbly texture of the rubber reins in her hands, of how the sun glistened against his neck, the squeaking sound of a saddle she had sat in so many times before on a different dark horse. She softly nudged the black stallion, ears pricked forward, and entered the Monte Carlo show jumping arena together; for the first time.
Everyone meet our newcomer to our stables; CT Great Contender (out of the legendary stallion Great London and powermare CT Chadino Z). We decided to take a leap of faith and bring Capri to Monaco for his first international show after two years of being out competing in the lower classes and getting used to bigger show environments, and it seems to have gone fairly well as he managed to bring home a first place ribbon! Thank you to @calveroterranorasj for trusting me with this beautiful boy <3
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mzgicsin · 6 days
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𓏲ㅤ⠀˛ㅤ⠀⋆ㅤ⠀ও⠀  𝐁𝐎𝐌𝐁𝑺𝑯𝑬𝑳𝑳     𖥦     (   sofia  carson   ,   28   ,   ela   /   dela   )   atenção  ,  atenção  ,  quem  vem  lá  ?  ah  ,  é  a  vidia  ,  da  história  de  peter  pan  !  todo  mundo  te  conhece  …  como  não  conhecer  ?!  se  gostam  ,  aí  é  outra  coisa  !  vamos  meter  um  papo  reto  aqui  :  as  coisas  ficaram  complicadas  para  você  ,  né  ?  você  estava  vivendo  tranquilamente  (  eu  acho …  )  depois  do  seu  felizes  para  sempre  ,  você  tinha  até  começado  a  praticar  novos  esportes  …  e  aí  ,  do  nada  ,  um  monte  de  gente  estranha  caiu  do  céu  para  atrapalhar  a  sua  vida  !  olha  ,  eu  espero  que  nada  de  ruim  aconteça  ,  porque  por  mais  que  você  seja  independente  ,  você  é  egocêntrica  ,  e  é  o  que  merlin  diz  por  aí  :  precisamos  manter  a  integridade  da  sua  história  !  pelo  menos  ,  você  pode  aproveitar  a  sua  estadia  no  reino  dos  perdidos  fazendo  o  que  você  gosta  :  administrando  um  centro  esportivo  &  um  bar  .
* 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬.  * 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭.  * 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.    * 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬.
𓏲ㅤㅤ𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬  𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬  𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐚  &  𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜  𝐬𝐢𝐧 ⠀ 𖥦     o  raiders  sports  arena  tem  como  objetivo  promover  um  estilo  de  vida  saudável  e  ativo  para  os  residentes  do  reino  dos  perdidos  .  vidia  está  comprometida  em  oferecer  um  ambiente  motivador  ,  onde  todos  são  incentivados  obrigados  a  alcançar  seu  pleno  potencial  físico  e  mental  .  o  centro  esportivo  oferece  uma  ampla  gama  de  atividades  ,  incluindo  academia  com  equipamentos  de  última  geração  ,  piscina  olímpica  ,  pista  de  corrida  indoor  ,  quadras  poliesportivas  ,  sala  de  aula  multifuncional  para  aulas  de  yoga  e  pilates  ,  entre  outros  .  o  lema  principal  dos  raiders  é  ‘’no  pain,  no  gain!’’
localizado  no  subsolo  do  raiders  sports  arena  ,  o  magic  sin  é  um  oásis  descontraído  e  cheio  de  charme  ,  escondido  atrás  de  uma  aparentemente  comum  porta  de  metal  ,  que  mais  se  assemelha  à  entrada  de  um  depósito  .  apenas  aqueles  dispostos  a  pagar  o  preço  de  20  flexões  têm  acesso  liberado  para  uma  noite  de  entretenimento  de  qualidade  .
(   em  breve  mais  informações  sobre  os  estabelecimentos  de  vidia   )
𓏲ㅤㅤ𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 ⠀ 𖥦     a  presença  dos  recém-chegados  não  é  significativa  o  suficiente  para  incomodá-la  ,  considerando  que  isso  não  a  afeta  diretamente  .  mesmo  sendo  uma  figura  independente  e  centrada  em  seus  próprios  interesses  ,  sua  curiosidade  natural  a  leva  a  observá-los  com  diligência  ,  mantendo  certo  ceticismo  sobre  os  invasores  .  até  o  momento  ,  vidia  é  imparcial  ,  não  permitindo  que  a  presença  alheia  abale  sua  própria  estabilidade  ;  mas  também  permanece  vigilante  em  relação  às  possíveis  consequências  de  sua  existência  no  mundo  das  histórias  .  ela  não  virando  uma  fada  artesã  ,  o  resto  pode  virar  um  verdadeiro  pandemônio  .  para  vidia  ,  os  perdidos  são  como  figuras  enigmáticas  ,  cujas  motivações  e  intenções  não  estão  completamente  claras  .
𓏲ㅤㅤ𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒏𝒔 ⠀ 𖥦     em  breve  .
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boysplanetrecaps · 3 months
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Build Up Episode 0: Getting to Know the Boys Part 1: Team AllRound
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Hey, friends! I’m struggling with writing the recap for episode one of Build Up on MNET because I want to stop and give you the background on everyone, which makes the recap really hard to follow. So I figure I’ll spend some time giving you their backgrounds in four separate posts, to help you get to know the guys. I mention things like where else you may have seen them, if they're in an idol group, who knows who, etc, as well as my opinion of their voice based on their teaser performance. I think it’ll make the recaps easier, both to read and to write. In this first post of four, I’ll be talking about the twelve contestants who chose to join the “Allround” category, as opposed to “Soul”, “Power”, or “Unique.” Let’s go!
Before we go on, I just want to let you know that I’ll sharing my informed opinion on their singing voices. I am going to be a little bit harder on them than I am on singers on Boys Planet, with the understanding that these are all great vocalists. We’re looking for the S+ tier guys amongst a group that is A tier at worst. So if I say anything a bit negative about a fave of yours, understand that I’m not saying that he’s a bad singer! Every guy here is an excellent singer. Cool? Cool! 
I also have to apologize, but most of my screenshots are going to be pretty awkward. The video I'm watching makes it really hard to use because every time you pause it, it opens all sorts of porny popups. When it's paused, it has a huge pause symbol in the middle of the picture. So I have to try to take screen shots while it's in motion. It's not easy! Hope you understand.
Also, I have even less time than usual to proofread these posts, so please forgive me for my inevitable typos. <3 Thank you!
Choi Suhwan
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Suhwan is currently a soloist. He’s released a few digital singles, none of which have really taken off, unfortunately. You might remember him from ProduceX 101, where he made it to episode 11, so the final cut before the finale, finishing in 28th place. Pretty good!
He was V17, doing a cover of Energetic by Wanna One. I wasn’t blown away by that performance -- it sounded a little processed, and I wasn’t completely sure it was live --  so I sought out another one. Here’s a live performance of his song Losing Sleep. Unfortunately, in this performance, I found his voice a little too nasal and affected to be to my taste, and he had serious issues with his upper mix. He’s not a terrible singer, but there are a lot of stronger singers on this show. Or maybe I’m wrong and he’ll do better next time. Fighting! 
Bitsaeon
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Bitsaeon is 28, and is the main vocalist from M.O.N.T. He seems to have a predilection for soft fuzzy sweaters. He was V36, singing Rose Blossom by H1-Key, and all I wrote down in my notes was “this is just a really nice voice.” I just really liked it. Clean, smooth, easy to listen to.
I think this performance of Creep by Radiohead shows both what I like and what I don’t like as much about his performances. He does a lot of this soft whisper singing in his covers, which seems like a waste of what he can do. I love his full belts -- they’re so good. I want to hear him sing full-on more often in songs, like he did with Rose Blossom.  
M.O.N.T. has a whole complicated dealie that I just don’t have the energy to figure out -- the wikipedia page explains some of it. They’re mainly a three member group, with a leader, a rapper, and a main vocal. They haven’t put out any singles in a while, so I’m not sure what’s going on with them. 
Incidentally, Bitsaeon almost certain knows Jay reasonably well. Jay was involved in this thing called MONT Arena that was supposed to collect more members for MONT, so along the way I’m sure they met. In fact, Jay is still signed to the same agency as them (along with a few other agencies).
Seunghun
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Seunghun is 24 and a member of CIX. His teaser song was V01, Rain by Paul Kim, and his performance was kind of… not my favorite. He sounded at times almost like he had a cold, and at other times I’m pretty sure he went off key -- I don’t know the song so I can’t be sure but it sounded off. He showed a lack of agility on one of his vocal runs, which means that as he tried to sing a lot of different notes all in a row, he had trouble transitioning from note to note quickly and hitting them all neatly. He had to switch awkwardly to falsetto to hit a single high note in the middle of a line, which is kind of not the goal. I think he may just have been nervous or having an off day. 
Seunghun also competed on YG Treasure Box, which I didn’t watch, but maybe you did. 
Let’s talk about CIX, baby! (Ok, that joke relies on you pronouncing it “six” but it’s really pronounced “see-eye-ex,” if you read the hangul). 
CIX is a five-member group under C9 entertainment, which is also the home to Cignature and Epex. CIX features Wanna One’s Bae Jinyoung, who is the center and face of the group. As sometimes happens in cases like this, the member who was in the big Produce group is famous and attracts stans, while sometimes the rest of the group just doesn’t get as much love, and the group as a whole suffers. See also: Gugudan, Weki Meki. However, CIX does ok. Per genius.com, “The group has released several Top 10 albums in South Korea, including Hello Chapter Ø: Hello, Strange Dream which gave them their first chart-topper in the country. The group’s singles have also consistently landed in the Circle Music chart.” So CIX is a little bit closer to say, IVE than it is to, say, Weki Meki. 
Personally, I like CIX -- I think the members are talented --  but I don’t love all their songs. However, their song Cinema is so smooth and lovely, it’s like a glass of orange-peach juice for your soul, and that’s in great measure because of their smooth vocals. (Seunghun is the one with the blue hair in that clip, if you want to watch it.) In fact, this is the song I wanted to listen to in the car on the way to the hospital to have surgery a year or two ago when I was feeling pretty scared. My fella said, “This is nice. I like this.” So if you never heard it, give it a chance. I’m looking forward to getting to know Seunghun a bit better and seeing him on a better day.  
Yeo One
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Yeo One is 28, and is a lead vocalist for Pentagon. I don’t have to tell you about Pentagon, right? Another excellent group who lost a member and whose popularity has ebbed and flowed. If you watched Boys Planet, you know about Hui, and you know that I like Pentagon a lot! 
Yeo One left Cube Entertainment just a few months ago, in October of 2023, along with several other members of Pentagon, so though Pentagon hasn’t disbanded, their further activities will be a bit tricky. He had a sold-out solo concert recently, and was profiled in Rolling Stone Korea, so he’s doing ok for a recently solo artist. Yeo One is a lead vocalist of Pentagon, not one of their two main vocalist, and on kprofiles, he actually ranks in last place in the popularity poll. He often would be given pretty brief lines in most Pentagon songs. But we will get to know him and get to love him on this show, right, team? 
He performed a ballad for his teaser (V40) and all I wrote in my note to myself is “I hate songs like this so much I almost can’t think straight.” So, instead, I found this little song that apparently he wrote and performed himself -- it’s light and charming. It sounds like a guy sitting by the fire making up a song on guitar and singing it to himself. He’s not a super skilled vocalist from what I’ve heard thus far, not a powerhouse like Hui, but he has a charming vocal color and is just sort of a generally a lovable dude.  
Hwang Inhyuk
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Inhyeock / Inhyuk (I’ve seen it transliterated both ways -- both would be 인혁 in Hangul) is 26 and is apparently both a soloist and a member of a vocal group called Unison. Unfortunately, I can’t find anything about them since there’s also a Japanese group called “Unison Square Garden” and when you search “Korean vocal group unison” all you get is information about K-pop songs sung in unison, so…. Yeah. Inhyuk is also a composer and lyricist, and has competed on I Can See Your Voice (I’m not sure which season) and Sing for Gold. 
He was V29 and performed a song called The First Day. Again, my perspective is skewed because it’s another feckin’ ballad and no thank you. The opening section when he’s singing in a soft, almost gruff voice is really charming, though. It’s so different from what you’d expect from his appearance and general demeanor. He has a really distinct vocal color, and I think he should have chosen “unique” rather than “allround.” Once he heads into the chorus, which requires belting some higher notes, his voice falters a bit. I just get that feeling that maybe he can do better than what he showed in this teaser. Maybe he wasn’t warmed up properly, or maybe he had a bit of a cold, something like that. The potential is there and I sense training was involved. I’m going to keep an open mind about him. 
Geonu
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Geonu is from Just B and is 22. In addition to going on I-land, he also went on a show called Dancing High, which also featured Seo Won who you may remember from Boys Planet. God, there are so many of these shows. I kind of remember Geonu from I-land, where he did pretty well, making it close to the end. It’s kind of a shame that he didn’t make it into Enhypen since Enhypen is definitely short on vocalists. 
If you want to check out one of Geonu’s previous performances, here he is doing a duet performance of BTS’s Butterfly on I-land with Heesung (who did go on to debut in Enhypen). 
Geonu has gotten a bit better since then; here is his audition for this show, where he was V10. 
His upper mixed register has gotten stronger and a lot less breathy compared to when he was on I-land, but he seems to have developed an unpleasant nasality. Maybe being on this show will spur him to adjust his methodology. He has a really pleasant vocal color and a lot of potential. 
(I discuss Just B in Bain’s write up.) 
Jang Intae
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Per my online sleuthing, Intae, age 27, is a singer-songwriter and is one half of the duo 415. (Their group is named for the fact that both members were born on April 15th, 1997.) 415 has put out seven digital singles and performed a few OSTs, but their MVs generally get fewer than 10,000 views. I think his general style and vibe isn’t what I personally look for in a musician -- it’s a bit too “acoustic lite” -- but I bet a lot of people would like what he and his duo partner do, if people gave them a chance. 
His teaser performance, V37, was Missing You by BTOB (a song performed on Girls Planet 999, if it sounds familiar to you -- a member of BTOB is on this show's judging panel). It started off really nasal, but got a bit better as it went along. He strained a bit on the high notes, unfortunately. It wasn’t the best performance, but I’m not going to condemn him for 90 seconds of imperfect singing. I hope that as I see more from him, he gets to show more of what he can do.
Jeong Yoonseo
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Jeong Yoonseo is a trainee, and little info is available about him. He’s V32, performing Starlight by Taeil. There are a lot of background vocals -- I think there’s a guide track behind him the whole time! -- so it’s hard to pick out his pure voice. It sounds nice from what I can hear.  That’s kind of all I got! (Side note -- I’ve seen his name listed as Jang, not Jeong, but if you read the hangul, it’s Jeong, so IDK.) 
Hong Seongjun
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Seongjun is 24 and is (was?) a member of a group called BDC, a three member group under Brandnew Music that debuted in the latter end of the pandemic, in September 2020. All three members had been on ProduceX 101. Seongun himself was eliminated in 51st place. They put out several comebacks but never really caught on.
On their kprofiles page, it says “On August 18, 2023, BRANDNEW MUSIC officially announced that BDC will end all official promotions as artists under the company on August 26, 2023, after they mutually decided to end their contracts. Thereafter, the group have been active in Japan and have a fan meeting planned in Korea on December 3, 2023.” I’m not sure what to make of that, but it doesn’t sound great obviously. 
I went to check out their M/Vs and remembered that I had actually listened to Moon Rider for a few months there at some point. Pretty decent song, but it got only 3.6 million views. I think it’s just kind of tough for three member groups. 
He was V27 and sang a chipper acoustic little song by 10cm. For me, him having such heavy backup vocals for so much of the song kind of makes me wonder, why would you do that?  It’s the same thing as the situation with Yoonseo. Isn’t the point to show their vocals? That said, this was a pleasant enough performance -- clean and sweet, with decent agility in some of the runs -- but not something I’m dying to listen to over and over. I think he didn’t really understand the assignment and chose something that would be nice to perform with people watching you, instead of something to sing in the dark.
Jeong Inseong
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Inseong is 29 and is main vocal of a group called KNK. 
He was V06, performing a song called Letting Go by Day6. I looked it up and this song came out on March 28, 2016 -- just a few weeks after Lim Junhyeok had to leave that group. It being called “Letting Go” is a bit… pointed. Kind of like when f(x) did a song called Four Walls as their first comeback (and last) as a four-member group. Anyway… I really liked this. I just wrote in my notes, “ooh, likey.” This is just so good, I don’t even know how to pick it apart. It’s just a combination of stellar technique and smooth natural vocal color. He does have to go into falsetto to hit a super high note, but he transitions almost instantly. This is good stuff. 
KNK debuted in 2016 as a 5 member group. They left their first agency in 2018 but continued as a group at a new agency, losing one member and gaining a new one. Over the last few years, two more members have quit and one more joined, leaving four in the group as of now. 
Their most recent single, Ride, came out in September 2020 and currently has about 1.7 million views on Youtube. It’s so easy to tell when Inseong is singing -- it’s like when Kihyun sings in MonstaX and you’re just like YES, come THROUGH. I threw Ride on my playlist just so I can hear more Inseong. 
Inseong has been in a bunch of music shows, and also participated in Mixnine, so he may know the other Mixnine contestants, Ma Jaekhyung from Romeo and Donghun from A.C.E. However, he had to withdraw early from the show, so maybe not. 
If you want more Inseong, here’s a fun duet he does with the “Korean Madonna,” Kim Wanseon. 
Taehwan
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Taehwan, 30, is the leader and main vocalist of Vanner, and was V13, singing Goodbye by Park Hyo Shin. You probably know by now that I’m not much of a ballad girl, but at least this is sung simply, with a really warm, textured voice. He does sound really pinched on the higher notes, like his throat is closing, and he gets a bit nasal at times, as well. In my opinion, he lacks technique, but has a lot of natural talent. He also has a great smile. 
Vanner is a five member group that debuted in 2019. They had a lot of support as they debuted, and even got significant crowdfunding. They went on Peaktime, as did many other lesser known groups -- and they won! Good for Vanner. Their most recent EP charted very well overseas. Their song Performer, released five months ago, has 8.7 million views on Youtube, and their song Jackpot, released on Jan 30, 2024, already had almost 4 million views at the time of writing, an incredible performance for less than a week. So it looks like Vanner is really starting to take off.
Taehwan may have met Ma Jaekyung, Bitsaeon, and Hong Seongjun when they competed on Peak Time.
Ji Yeonwoo
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Yeonwoo is another trainee I just don’t know much about. Apparently he went on a show called Wild Idol, which I haven’t seen. But I do know that his teaser song, V24, Suffer by Charlie Puth, was great. A great combination of a song I actually liked and a voice I really liked. He has great agility, leaping up into falsetto and back down again. He does get a bit pinched sometimes on higher notes, but for whatever reason, it doesn’t bother me. Maybe it’s just I’m so glad it’s not a ballad!
Ok, that’s enough for now. I’ll see you in the next one, when I tackle Team Soul, featuring everyone’s favorite. You know who I mean.
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