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ystrike1 · 2 months

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Mystic Prince - By Aheuredal (8/10)

Do you hate harems? Don't worry. There's loads of unrequited love here. Our female(?) Protagonist is a mystery. The entire story is a tournament arc. There's a bratty yandere, a loyal yandere who was sired by a loyal yandere Emperor, and a starving lovestuck demon. Mystic Prince is not just a yandere story. You will have to be in it for the action and intrigue, and the uncertainty.

I'm going to say it right out the gate.

There is no slavery in this one. Only voluntary servitude. In this particular fantasy setting Demons and Gods exist. Demons have white hair. Gods have black hair. The Gods grew emotionless. They stopped caring for humanity, so they gave humanity the power to protect itself as a final gift.

Regular humans live for about a hundred years, but there are special demi-gods now! They can defend the humans and rule the land! Great! Also the Emperor is decided through various tests and trials, not by blood. Great! The Emperor must maintain a Barrier around his nation to protect it. If that barrier breaks well...chaos. So, that means the tests are extremely hard. Great!

Oh, did I mention that the Emperor must be male? Yes, there are NO female demigods. Only pretty priestesses who spend their entire lives in captivity, waiting for the chance to oversee the Emperor Tests.

The gods send down a signal 500 years late, because they really don't give a shit, and a new Emperor can finally be chosen.

One candidate is the handsome and heavily scarred Yeon. He always bathes alone, because the deep marks on his chest are disgusting to look upon. He wants to be Emperor so he can ascend to Godhood after his reign, and he plans to bring his half-demon attendant with him. Biseol struggles with the urge to eat his leige, whom he secretly loves. Biseol and Yeon are both outcasts. Underdogs. Unwanted. Yeon in particular seems to have a persecution complex, due to the abuse he faced for bring born female.

You see the gods made an error when they gave demigod powers only to male princes. Sexism is rampant in the glorious kingdom of Yeol. Can you imagine? You’re a wife in a great family, and you only birth girls. That means your family never, ever gets the chance to participate in the "fair and balanced" Emperor Tournament.

Women who give birth to too many girls are often thrown out because of this.

The First Prince is the son of the current Emperor. Fair is fair....but a head start is a head start. Doha has struggled with his feelings for Yeon since he was a child. He is very much like his father. He struggles with the urge to follow his crush around. To be clear Yeon and Doha are not on speaking terms. Doha struggles with the idea of being attracted to a "man", and Yeon only sees Doha as competition...until he constantly starts sacrificing himself to save Yeon.

The most qualified prince actually isn't interested in becoming Emperor.

Doha entered the tournament to look for answers. You see, his mother was a commoner. A mortal with red hair. Priestesses and the like usually marry Demigods because they can live about two hundred years, which is a little better than a pitiful human. She was the current Emperors only lover, ever, and by the way the Emperor is 1000 years old.

Yeol has lived in peace because it's what she wished for. Upon her death he planned to kill everyone and let demonkind into the kingdom.

His existence is torture. He has been longing for death ever since, but he does love Doha.

He knew Doha never wanted to be Emperor, so he shares the truth. His mother was never treated with respect. She was only happy with him, but the snakes in the castle never relented. She died shortly after giving birth to Doha.

We meet a classic snake/cockroach type prince. He's kinda the weakest plot point. His stupidity pushes the plot forward too much, and he becomes a running joke. I think the story would have been better off without him.

Doha starts protecting Yeon because of idiots like him.

Yeon also struggles with real, actual anger issues. She is no saint. Pursuing the throne to become truly immortal, instead of just long-lived, with your bestie is kinda really selfish. I do think Yeon would be a fine Emperor though. She's better than the morons. She wants respect and power, and she's highly capable.

Also, Yeon does identify as female.

She just can't....be that to be respected. It's awful. Her secret is extremely well kept. Her breasts have been completely cut off from what the art implies, and she packed on muscle during her fire training. The only giveaway is what's under her skirt, and that's why she bathes alone.

She hates to see Biseol disrespected, because he knows her. She can relax around him. By the way she only has fire power. The other princes, who are male, have the ability to use any element if they apply themselves. Yeon only has fire, and a demonic attendant who is sometimes more unstable than her.

Yeon had a loving mother.

A little sister.

A father who wanted a son.

Being born female ruined her life. She was able to become a "prince" and obtain the long life Demigods have by lying and gaining the support of the weakest Sage. Every Prince has a Sage and an Attendant supporting them. That's why Yeon blends in. It's why nobody really suspects she's a woman. The lies run deep, and she does have support.

It just...feels fragile.

It may fall apart like a house of cards.

Yeon is especially kind to women, because men are not. She uses her position of power to get justice for wronged women on several occasions. We see the ugly side of love, again and again.

We are left to wonder if Biseol or Doha would respect her opinion if she didn't have her powers.

Powers which were born from the unfair abuse she experienced. Yeon accidently burned up her entire family. The father she hated, and the mother she loved. Her baby sister too. She had no choice. It wasn't on purpose, but she wouldn't have died anyway.

Her father decided to kill her. Her sister and her mother too. He called them useless and he threw them out of the house. If Yeon didn't use her rage and fire she would have died in the street, with her mother.

Hamil is a nasty example of a bratty yandere. Yeon trusts him and he takes advantage of them. Yeon thinks Hamil is cute and sunny. Hamil is the only prince Yeon is close friends with. Biseol knows Hamil is manipulative, but he doesn't tell Yeon...because Yeon would never believe it. Hamil is meticulous. Kind. Even the female servants love him, and that's how he catches Yeon. She sees sunny, bright Hamil innocently chatting with maids. Always kind to women (when she's around) and she trusts that.

Hamil knows she is a woman hiding her gender, and he does anything and everything to appear cute...to make her depend on him for comfort.

Doha....gets over it but he's tempted by his own selfish desires for a long time. He wants to protect Yeon. He wants Yeon to choose him. He wants to be alone with Yeon. He doesn't want anybody else to touch Yeon. He doesn't want Biseol close to Yeon. He doesn't want Hamil close to Yeon.

He fails and fails. Yeon doesn't notice his love, because its so twisted and repressed.

Eventually, Doha decides to support her bid for the throne out of love. He decides to stop thinking only of himself. Yes, he is the endgame love interest. Who would have thought the second generation yandere who is also the most powerful would win. I totally didn't haha...

I'm kinda worried that Biseol will die or become the villain.

#yandere #male yandere #yandere male #yandere boy #recommendations #recs #rec #recommended #webtoon #Mystic Prince

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dangermousie · 8 months

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Let's meet my favorite kdrama cursed prince - Muhyul as portrayed by Song Il Gook in The Kingdom of the Winds

Or more specifically, this very long-ass post is my attempt to convince people to watch this ridiculously underrated 2008 sageuk.

Why? Is it politics? Complicated families, cursed destinies, battles, or more hurt/comfort than you can want? Nope, none of these. I have my priorities straight and it's official. Muhyul/Yeon is one of my favorite period OTPs.

Take one Cursed Prince (who does not know he is one, and is brought up as a slave), add in one capable Enemy Princess who saves his life, add in ninjas (yes I know ninjas are Japanese but I have no idea what the Korean equivalent term is and I am too lazy to type in secret assassins every time), poisonings, intrigues, and a lot of hurt/comfort and we are set!

Once upon a time, there lived a man named Muhyul. He was only a slave but what he did not know was that he was actually a Prince who was given away by his family at birth because he was cursed to kill his whole family, people he loved, and to top it off, to destroy his country. Despite it all, he was still super-hot.

In the enemy nation of Buyeo, there lived a Princess named Yeon, who was ladylike, kind, a skilled healer....also a deadly ninja.

Point 1: Heal captured slaves from torture. One day they might be the Crown Prince.

Muhyul first sees Yeon after he has been horrendously tortured by Buyeo troops. He opens his eyes to see a heavenly vision quite competently stitching him up, so to speak. It is love at first sight for Muhyul. And who could blame him. He knows that with the director's troubling penchant for h/c, he will need a hottie healer around.

Point 2: "Heal a hottie and he is yours for life"

Muhyul spends some free time drawing her portrait. Without knowing who she is or if he will see her again. If the whole slave/assassin/king thing doesn't work out, he can always make money as an artist.

Point 3: "It's not stalking when he's hot!"

Muhyul is on an undercover mission in the enemy country but he forgets everything when he sees Yeon walking by (btw, he assumes she is just a commoner doctor). I love how he sort of stops thinking of anything else at all.

And then he thinks of her at night...

And lo and behond, their paths cross again when she heals a slave in the house he is staying in.

And he introduces himself to her and she is totally mesmerized. Who can blame her, it's freaking Song Il Gook!

And "rescues" her from evil Byueo soldiers. Only, oooops, they were sent by her family as escort and she is piiiiiiiiissed!

"Why did she slap me, whyyyyyy?"

Still, be happy, boy! Despite it all, she bailed you out of jail for assaulting the Royal Guards :)

Awwww, Muhyul doesn't want to leave...

Point 4: You know what makes anything better? Torture and homicidal angst

Did I mention the part where Yeon's Dad runs an Evil Assassin camp where they experiment on slaves with poisons and torture them? You see where this is going? If you do, then you have the mindset of both the writer of this drama and myself.

Muhyul gets captured by them (after losing the only person he ever regarded as family, but that would drag us into plot and this post is about the shippy):

And tortured for a solid year. If he ever marries Yeon, that might make for an awkward family Thanksgiving. "So, how are you, son?" "Well, I almost regained the use of my arms!"

Anyway, Yeon is visiting Daddy and sees some slave being taken out, after they have tried poisons on him. It's Muhyul, so it's Yeon to the rescue! Man, no wonder he loves her - it's self-preservation on his part!

(this shot here is for troubling reasons)

And then Muhyul is drafted by evil assassins (long plotty reason) with the only alternative more torture. The training is psychotic and gets Muhyul near-broken utterly but as a side benefit, makes him even more hot. If now mildly psychotic. As you can probably figure out by the end of the drama he's so hot he's a supernova

Also, as I posted earlier, gorgeous armored men on their knees looking up at their OTP who is teaching them foreign language (because Yeon is an Evil Assassin trainer for daddy) and thinking of the fact that they are a slave and she is a Princess (which is something he found out only in the ninja camp) is pretty high on the list of my favorite things.

Plus, Yeon takes him out for fresh air and exercise that doesn't involve being hung upside down and being ordered to off oneself. Score! She even makes him smile.

This is hitting the cap limit for continuing in part 2 shortly...

ETA: part 2 here:

(99+) Musings of the Obsessive Kind on Tumblr

And part 3:

(99+) Musings of the Obsessive Kind on Tumblr

#kdrama #song il gook #the kingdom of the winds #choi jung won

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myechoecho · 3 months

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Rewatching W: Two Worlds

Ep 14 is a doozy.

It is so devastating to see Sung Moo and Cheol hearing that there was no hope for Yeon Joo.

When Cheol appears again, he has to tell Sung Moo what happened to Yeon Joo and it is absolutely heartbreaking. I love how Cheol was still aware enough to know that the real world means permanence so that was he took her to the comic world. He did everything he could, and stayed by her side. She only woke once.

It was so difficult for Cheol to get the words out that she died. He is grieving hard, and finding out that Yeon Joo died is too much for Sung Moo.

We come to what are my favourite set of scenes in the whole show. Cheol saves Sung Moo from jumping off the roof of the hospital. We learn that not only is Sung Moo grieving for Yeon Joo, but he feels guilty. He says that he was the one who shot her. But Cheol firmly tells him that it was the Real Culprit who shot Yeon Joo. He's not just saying it either but because it is the truth. They may be linked, but they are not the same. Sung Moo would never shoot Yeon Joo.

Cheol is smart, so he has figured out that Yeon Joo can saved just as he was. Yeon Joo partially became a comic character, which is why she can be hurt in the comic but also why he brought her there. She's a character in that world so she can also be saved the same way he was. He just needs Sung Moo to do it.

Now we get to my absolute favourite scene in the show, when Cheol explains to Sung Moo just exactly what Yeon Joo means to him. He hasn't even told this to Yeon Joo. Yeon Joo is his family, one that he chose. It's his first fully free will choice that he has made. Even though he does not remember her before the memory wipe, they have still made memories that are real. They have substance and meaning. Through Yeon Joo, he has made the determination that he is human. And because Yeon Joo fought for him, he will do the same for her. He will not give up, and they will have their happy ending. She is the one he loves, and she is family.

I also love that he has extended his family to include Sung Moo. Sung Moo is part of Yeon Joo's family therefore he is part of Cheol's. After all their animosity and attempts to kill one another, Cheol considers him family.

I had forgotten that Cheol figured out the Real Culprit had Sung Moo draw a duplicate of the tablet. I also forgot that it came into the Han Cheol Ho's hands.

Cheol was not expecting the be taken by the Han Cheol Ho, but he adapts quickly. It was so hard to see him get bloodied. He endures the torture and says nothing until he absolutely needs to because getting the tablet to Sung Moo is key. He told Soo Bong that he might call him for an SOS.

I will say that once Cheol begins to tell the Han Cheol Ho the truth and is asked "what kind of manhwa lies are this", Cheol's smile is demented. He explains more, but just enough to ensure that Han Choe will go to the hospital. He speaks directly to Soo Bong and tells him that the tablet is on the way knowing that it would be updated in the comic. He waits, and gives enough time for the assemblyman to get to the hospital. Only then does he return to the real world and then summon Han Cheol Ho to the real world. Who of course is carting the tablet with him everywhere since he knows some of what it can do.

Sung Moo and Soo Bong get the tablet and I so happy that the assemblyman was beaned in the process. Sung Moo's hand is beginning to disappear, so he has also become partially a comic charcter.

Yeon Joo is saved, but Cheol does not know this. Only at the very end is she brought to the comic world. Except this time it is the final episode, which mean the narrative/comic has decided that the story is just about run its course.

#w two worlds #kdrama

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rosenlily-aka-choconut · 11 months

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rang is the villain? then what's the purpose of imoogi and his servant? also this anon thinks yeon has no faults but in s2, he was definitely shown as an opium addict and abusive to others with the most petty things and didn't do his job as a mountain god just because he lost aeum

s1 yeon and jiah are selfish because they let imoogi kill off people for they 'love' oh speaking of imoogi does jiah have a part of him so she is definitely a villain

not forgetting jiah first claims she doesn't want to be in a relationship with yeon because she isn't aeum and that she is her own person not just a reincarnation but then suddenly she is fine with it??? accepted being a reincarnation

agree with the other anon that without rang yeon remains dead and jiah is of no help she is only a human, the first trade she did to get yeon back was not even from her ability but from the marble from yeon she'll just knock on talupia's place but she has no ability to help besides dping an interview

Yes, anon, thank you! Yes to all of this!

These people forget Yeon and Ji-ah are breathing and happy because of Rang's sacrifice.

And... I can't forget how Yeon and Ji-ah went on dates while

Rang was dying. Yu-ri had to offer herself to imoogi to save him whereas Yeon only kept saying he'll save him. When the situation was reversed, Rang jumped in at the first opportunity and ACTED instead of just talking

People were dying of the plague and Yeon took the time to... fuck his girlfriend??

Also, Opium!Yeon being completely self-obsessed and irresponsible. And… torturing that raccoon couple and persuading the wife to change her name because she's called Ah-eum? Seriously?

Anyway, no point getting hot-headed about this. Season 2 exists because of Rang. Period.

#tale of the nine tailed #tale of the nine tailed 1938 #lee rang

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rebornshe · 5 months

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YES, 𝐈 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐄 ( ... ) and i've been waiting

🤍 #REBORNSHE, est. december 2023. a writing blog for the character of NAM JI AH / AH EUM from the korean drama THE TALE OF THE NINE TAILED. selective & private . this user uses beta-editor. minors dni. this blog main contain mentions of death, posession, trauma and other mature themes. if you are not familiar with ji ah's story or the show: she's a producer in a paranormal investigation show, a great detective, a believer in the supernatural after experiencing it herself, unafraid of it, and above all, a curious and brave mind. this blog is multi verse and friendly to muses from any universe. rules underneath read more. written by clary.

◟ A STUDY OF: resiliance and solitude, the ghosts of the past, following a dream until the end, the lonely nights, the fascination for the supernatural, the detective, the investigator, the dead lover, the affection for the uncanny, the kind hearted heroine.

001. carrd 002. about 003. pinterest 004. playlist

the writer does not own any rights to the source material, specifically "tale of the nine-tailed." all credit for characters, settings, and plot elements goes to the respective creators and the korean myths therefore based on.

the writer is brazilian and autistic, and while they do not speak korean, they are making an effort to learn it. korean phrases may be included in the blog, but they will always be translated. assistance and corrections are appreciated.

nam ji ah is 30 years old, harboring an evil entity within her and is the soulmate of a nine-tailed fox. questions about the character are welcomed at any time while i'm still setting the carrd up.

the blog may contain mentions of death, torture, trauma, and possession . tags for triggers will be added upon request. reader discretion is advised.

the writer engages only with mutual blogs and muns over the age of 18.

the writer does not interact with stranger things or harry potter blogs.

the writer is open to exploring alternate universes and creative scenarios within and outside the tale of the nine-tailed universe.

the writer primarily ships nam ji ah with lee yeon. while open to other ships in different universes, such occurrences are considered rare.

prejudice of any kind, including hate speech, will not be tolerated. the blog aims to foster a positive and respectful roleplaying community.

feel free to ask any questions or seek clarification. the writer is open to dialogue and values clear communication with followers and fellow roleplayers.

#mun : clary #24 years old.#BRT - she / they / them .#autistic & latina.#discord upon request !#fixed post.

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amjustagirl · 3 years

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Hogwarts AU (Haikyuu!!)

Previously: Miya Atsumu. Miya Osamu. Kita Shinsuke. Kuroo Tetsuro. Tsukkishima Kei. Bokuto Koutaro

Masterlist link

Wordcount: 2.5k

Warnings: Tooth-rotting fluff

Genre / Pairings: Fluff, Hogwarts AU, Sakusa / Reader

Summary: You’re invited to Kiyoko’s seventeenth birthday party, which turns out to be a ball for the glittering elite of the magical world, where you meet one very surly, very sulky Sakusa Kiyoomi.

A/N: Comments as always, are much welcomed. Feel free to shout at me anytime!

Requests closed for the time being!

Though if you toss a suggestion my way that I like, I may...reconsider ;)

Requested by Yeon baobei @moondaius I hope you like it, darling <3

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You feel out of place in this party filled with the glittering elite of magical society. Your sleeves do not quite reach down to your wrists, and the ruffles on the neckline of your dress robes are a little limp, but you’ve had to make do with the rejected pile of clothes from your more affluent cousins. It’s not often you get invited to formal dinner parties anyway. Your home is a tiny attic flat on the cross junction between Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley, and your mother is just a humble cleaning lady, so this soiree is just an exception - your classmate Kiyoko being exceptionally kind and inviting you to her seventeenth birthday party.

“Look! Isn’t that Sakusa Kiyoomi? Isn’t he handsome?” You can hear the girls around you sigh dreamily to their friends as said boy enters the ballroom with his cousin Komori in tow.

The Ravenclaw seeker elicits this sort of reaction even in school - or especially in school, but you’ve never joined his legion of fans, his overall grumpiness acting as a deterrent to you ever speaking to him despite sharing multiple classes together. Still, he is handsome, you admit to yourself. Towering over most of the party guests, Sakusa Kiyoomi has artfully tousled black curls, cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass and the most adorable pair of moles above his right eyebrow.

“Komori!” You wave, grinning with affection as the affable Ravenclaw keeper bounds over towards you like an overgrown puppy.

“It’s so nice to see you here!” He greets you with his usual cheer. “These parties can be a drag if you don’t know anyone.”

“It is a little overwhelming”, you admit, side-eyeing the chandeliers hanging from the arched ceiling, dripping in crystals and wrought with gold. You’re sure that if you managed to sneak just one chandelier in your pocket, it’d be enough to feed you and your mother for an entire year.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you have fun tonight!” Komori promises with a chuckle. Then he snaps his head back, realising he’s left his cousin stranded in a crowd of fawning women - a fate that Sakusa Kiyoomi obviously deems worse than death judging from the way he glowers down at his shoes as if they’ve offended him in some way.

“You better rescue him”, you add, internally amused as Yuna-san from Slytherin slides her talons up Sakusa’s arms. “Five minutes in, and he already seems like a damsel in distress.”

Komori answers you with a lopsided grin as he swims through the crowd to reach his cousin drowning in his worst nightmare. You snort to yourself, helping yourself to a generous amount of punch, watching as Komori manages to extract Sakusa while charming the ladies into not sulking too much at the loss of their prey. Sakusa promptly disappears once he’s free from the quicksand of social interaction, while Komori himself gets claimed for the first dance of the night.

You have fun too - well, somewhat. You stand along the sides of the ballroom like an overgrown wallflower, watching as your peers in brightly coloured dresses get asked for dances while you’re passed over with a glance at your ill-fitting dress. But Komori does swing by and dances a foxtrot with you - both of you trip over the other at one point, causing a small commotion in the corner of the ballroom, but it’s all in good fun. Even Kiyoko takes the time to pop by and say hi, even though she’s swamped with well-wishers and familial obligations.

You don’t regret coming to the party at all.

“Omi, be social for once.” It’s only because your ears are sharp that you overhear Komori urge his cousin out from his hiding spot behind the dessert table. “You’ve been hiding from everyone the entire night, and you haven’t even danced once!”

“I don’t like people.” Sakusa grounds out through clenched teeth. “And I don’t dance”.

“Don’t be a grump. There are perfectly nice people here - look, I have a friend here who’d be perfect for a dance”.

You look up, meeting his eyes as he grins apologetically at you. You’re about to mouth ‘hell no’ at the irrepressible Komori, but Sakusa beats you to it in his characteristically blunt fashion.

“She’s tolerable enough I suppose, but I’m not inclined to be a knight in shining armour and dance with someone just because no one else will”.

Your eyebrows shoot up to your hairline.

Komori looks like he’s about to push Sakusa into the birthday cake, but thinks the better of it. “Omi”, he hisses in warning.

Sakusa glances up, guilt flooding his eyes when he meets your gaze, but you don’t give him a chance to redeem himself, flouncing away in a swirl of faded satin. You brazenly seek out dance partners for yourself - Kuroo from Slytherin might seem smarmy, but he smirks at you in recognition and twirls you around in a merry square dance and Akaashi from Ravenclaw looks like he’d much rather bury his nose in a book but he’s gentlemanly enough to let you take his hand for a stately waltz.

You’re in the middle of another waltz, this time with sunny Bokuto from Hufflepuff when you spot Sakusa squirming from the corner of your eye. Yuna (Slytherin, seventh year, pureblooded of course) has him cornered, back against the wall, and there’s no Komori in sight to save him – nor anyone really, almost everyone else is enjoying themselves on the dance floor.

You sigh inwardly. Sakusa might be cold and cranky but even he deserves to be rescued from Yuna’s clutches, so you maneuver Bokuto towards in their direction. Bokuto, to his credit, catches on immediately, and with a spark of mischief in his eyes, he grabs a glass of punch and tips it over both Sakusa and Yuna.

“You idiot!?!” Yuna shrieks, horrified as the bright red liquid stains the front of her robes. “These robes were specially tailored for me in Paris you know?”

You didn’t know that, and frankly – you couldn’t care less about the cost of her fancy robes, and with a murmured – I’ll help Sakusa clean up, you grab said boy by his sleeve and manhandle him out of the ballroom. Thankfully she’s so distracted that she doesn’t pick up on the fact that you’re both seventh years now, so there’s really no need for you to rush to the washroom since it’s completely legal for you to be using magic to clean Sakusa up. You leave Bokuto in your wake to deal with an irate Yuna, but he’s grinning nonetheless, telling her that his cleaning charms are awesome, does she want him to try fixing her dress? Akaashi and Kuroo join the commotion, and in the diversion they cause, no one notices your escape.

You tug him down a deserted hallway, relinquishing your grip on him only when you find an appropriate hiding place – an open air balcony, where no one is likely to stumble on you. ‘Turgeo’, you whisper, whipping out your wand, nodding in satisfaction as the charm siphons punch off Sakusa’s robes.

“You can catch your breath here for a bit”, you tell him, hopping up to take a precarious seat on the balcony railing. His brows pinch together, and you watch, bemused as he tries to make sense of what just transpired.

“Tha-“

Taking pity on him, you interrupt him. “You don’t have to thank me. I came to your rescue cos you’re tolerable, even though you’re always grumpy. Plus, I’m a Gryffindor, so being a knight in shining armour comes naturally to me”.

Your amusement grows as he splutters at having his ill mannered words quoted back at him, embarrassment burning into his cheeks. It’s fun to throw calm, collected Sakusa Kiyoomi off balance sometimes, you think – and perhaps given his privileged, pureblood background, he probably needs it every once in a while. But then you’re surprised when he gathers himself and inclines his head ever so slightly.

“That was…inexcusable of me to speak of you that way. I apologise.”

“It’s fine”, you reply easily, but he doesn’t allow you to shrug his apology off.

“It’s not. I was rude and unkind.”

This is the most you’ve ever heard Sakusa Kiyoomi say, and you want to capitalise on it.

“I know how you can remedy that”, you interject with a smile.

He quirks his eyebrows in confusion, watching you warily. You’re tempted to drag out the suspense to watch him squirm, but you don’t want to torture the poor boy any further.

“You can pay me back by giving me the dance you so cruelly refused me”, you tell him, jumping down onto your feet. Then with the most unladylike laugh, you sweep into an exaggerated bow, holding your hand out to him -

“My good sir, if you please?”

He stares down at your proffered hand. “Here? Now?”

“You have another time in mind?” You ask sarcastically, back still bent in a bow. “Come on, your mother probably brought you up better than this, don’t keep a girl waiting forever.”

“Fine, fine”, he mumbles. So as the string orchestra in the ballroom strikes up another tune yet again, he takes your hand, and wrapping his arm around your waist, he leads you in a waltz.

Step step twirl.

One two three.

Step step twirl.

He’s the ideal dance partner, expertly steering you through the one-two-three of the melody, never once making a misstep – though he does wince when you tread on his toes once too many times.

“You’re surprisingly good at dancing, for a misanthrope”, you comment.

“My mother made me learn”, he replies, ignoring the hidden barb in your remark. “It’s a waste of time, but I guess now that I keep getting invites for balls, it’s useful knowledge so I don’t make a fool of myself when I get forced to dance.”

“Like now?” You chuckle self-deprecatingly.

He doesn’t reply for a few beats and you assume the conversation is over when he replies –

“Not like now. It - this is nice.”

It’s summer, and while the cool night still nips at your skin, warmth inexplicably suffuses your cheeks. You thought you were just having a laugh, it’s only now that you realise that the situation you’ve put yourself in with Sakusa is practically lifted out of a fairytale – a boy and a girl, hiding in a balcony, waltzing under the stars? The only thing missing is maybe a shooting star falling from the skies, or a lost glass slipper or two.

Your train of thought is interrupted when the song ends, and he surprises you yet again when he does not drop your hand.

“Would my lady wish to dance with me again”, he asks, though there’s a glimmer of playfulness in his eyes that belies his formal tone.

You ignore every fiber of your being screaming at you that dancing with him again is going to be terrible for your heart, dropping into a low curtsy.

“Why, I thought you’d never ask”, you simper in a poor imitation of Yuna and her toadies, and he only snorts, sweeping you into his arms, intent on dancing the night away.

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

“The two of you have been gone the entire night”, Komori comments, a faint accusatory tone colouring his words. “I was about to organise a search party.”

“I was just helping Sakusa clean up after a mishap with a glass of punch”, you reply, though your lie is punctured by the wince you give when your shoes pinch your feet – a sign that you’ve danced far, far too much on this magical night.

“Is that so?” Komori directs his question to his stoic cousin.

Sakusa doesn’t even bother to reply, palm warm against the small of your back as he ushers you off to his flying carriage, intent on sending you safely home.

Your mother’s jaw drops when she wakes up to Sakusa’s carriage thunder down your street, a fleet of winged white horses dragging an enchanted golden carriage. You feel like Cinderella as he escorts you to the front door, pressing a courtly kiss to the back of your hand when he wishes you goodnight. That is, if Cinderella snagged her Prince Charming on the first night they met - by accident, no less.

Your jaw drops when you wake up the next morning to a delivery from an imperial looking snow owl, and when you tear open the parcel, your hands shake so much you have to sit down. That ridiculous boy sent you dress robes of pearl white tulle, along with an invitation to his seventeenth birthday party, to be held in two weeks.

And the most staggering of all – the parcel also includes your dance card, Sakusa’s name neatly written in it to claim ayour dances for the night.

Every single dance of the night.

“Impertinent fellow”, you mutter to yourself, though you can’t help but fall back onto your bed, giggling like a loon.

Sakusa Kiyoomi is an enigma, a boy shielding his true self from the world by cocooning himself in layers of unfriendliness and grumpiness. But in the short amount of time you’ve spent with him, you’ve discovered that he isn’t as cold or unfeeling as he makes himself out to be. You unearthed his sharp sense of humour when he started dropping barbs about preening party guests, telling you the dirty secrets of each pureblooded family gathered here tonight.

“She did what?” you gasped. “No way.”

‘Believe it”, he smirked. “She later tried marrying her daughter off to me, but my parents refused”.

And over the course of the night, you start to see shades of his softer side. He surprised you when he apologised over and over again for not dancing with you the first time, saying he hadn’t realised that you were being overlooked because almost everyone in attendance were snobs.

“It’s the dress”, you told him cheekily, tugging at the cheap fabric. “Otherwise everyone around here would be falling for my sparkling personality”.

He couldn’t help but snort at that.

Then he started to tell you about himself. You learn that he wants to go pro not because he has a burning passion for Quidditch, but rather because it’s something he’s put so much effort into that he might as well continue doing it into adulthood. You learn that despite his complaints about the Ravenclaw team - seemingly sweet Suga and the troublesome beaters Makki and Mattsun in particular driving him insane with their relentless ribbing and puns and jokes, he’s grown fond of them.

He’s funny and witty and sentimental and smart. You truly enjoyed his company last night.

You can’t wait to see him again.

Neither can Sakusa, so it seems. He’s on your doorstep before noon, a bouquet of roses and a bashful expression on his face.

“A gentleman caller”, you pretend to swoon as you open the door. “Happy day!”

“I hope I’m the only one”, he retorts, all shyness evaporating immediately, a glint of amusement in his dark eyes.

“So far you are”, you tease, nose buried in rosebuds. “Fair warning before you sweep me off my feet though - I’m not going to be one of your typical, pureblooded heiresses who’ll titter at every word you say, just cos you’re Sakusa Kiyoomi”.

He actually chuckles at that. “I’m counting on that”, he says, taking your hand.

You both share a shy smile.

#hqradiostation #haikyuu!!#hq #haikyuu!#haikyuu #sakusa kiyoomi #sakusa x you #sakusa x reader #sakusa x y/n #kiyoomi x you #kiyoomi x y/n #kiyoomi x reader #kiyoomi sakusa x reader #kiyoomi sakusa x you #haikyuu angst #haikyuu fluff #haikyuu fic rec #haikyuu romance #hogwarts au

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sweetestlamb · 3 years

Text

Touch My Heart

Summary: The heart wants what it wants.

Author’s note: I tried really hard to accept the ending of Mr. Queen and I was able to find enjoyment in watching the characters that I had grown to love but after deep consideration, I can’t truly accept what happened to Bong Hwan, it’s just too cruel despite knowing how homosexuality is viewed in Korea. If that was the plan he should have never been made to fall in love with the King and they should have merely been friends working together for the greater good. no romance if it was going to be thrown away in minutes. If they wanted to include hot make out scenes then make it known that Soyong is taking control of her body and this is not what BH wants, but he’s taking the backseat in those moments. Let it be known that they are both in there but the romantic feelings are solely from SY. Don’t let BH wrestle with his sexuality and accept that he loves the King only to leave him with nothing back in his world, he grew from the experience but at the cost of what? His sanity. Anyway, yes I changed my mind. I The couple I fell in love watching was BH and Cheoljongie and that’s probably the only couple, I’ll write about. Maybe when I see more of SY in the spin off I’ll grow fond of her, but to me Cheoljong’s heart belongs to BH and just because SY loves him doesn’t mean she deserves him, the same way Byeong-In didn’t deserve her.

A month goes by, the most splendid month she's ever spent in the palace. Walking around the castle grounds, there are always jubilant faces; servants greeting her with wide grins instead of the fear she used to evoke, she smiles back now instead of trying to thwart their happiness. It feels like someone has lit a torch in her once pitch black life, what she thought was a pointless existence now suddenly has a meaning and purpose.

And it's all thanks to him, this mysterious man from the future. Jang Bong Hwan. When she jumped into that lake she had expected death, and nothing more. She didn’t have a plan, she just didn’t want to suffer anymore. Everywhere she turned there were locked doors and there was no way out. Suicide was a sin but she would gladly accept her punishment, living her life was worst than any hell she could imagine.

But rather than death she was locked in the deep crevice of her mind.

Seeing and hearing all but unable to say or do anything, a vegetable in her own body. But fright melted away to admiration, this strange man was brave beyond belief; standing up to those who had made her existence a living hell. Despite all the step backs and their many attempts at his life, their life he hadn’t given up finding new ways to fight back every time. Without even trying he had accomplished her one desire in life-to be the owner of the King's heart. She watched in awe as the icy barricade erected around his heart became to thaw, no match for the fiery force of the time traveler.

She watched as they fell in love and although it was her body, they were his feelings. Feelings that had taken time and effort to grow, it was torture to not be the one experiencing that. Then like a gift from the heavens she was back, restored to her rightful place. When she'd awoken to the King's tearful eyes, his mouth wide and twisted in pain she knew she would do anything to make him happy. This was her second chance and she wouldn't waste it.

Everything had changed while she'd been away. Everyone had changed.

Court Lady Choi and Hong Yeon looked at her at times, curious eyes unblinking. As if they were waiting for something, but she didn't know what. She was behaving as the perfect queen, listening the Court Lady's every complaint without agitation, they should have been happy but instead they kept looking confused and longing like there was something that wasn’t quite right. She futilely tried to convince herself it was simply her imagination.

However, it was not solely them. The King was the worst, they shared a bed every night and in the beginning she'd been elated at this occurrence. Until about a week ago, when he'd asked her a question she couldn't answer.

"My Queen, there is another word from your dictionary I need help understanding. What is the meaning of this?" He crawled closer to her, shifting the silk bedding beneath them. Once she got over the pleasure of having him so close, fear set in.

His finger was underneath a word, she'd never seen before in her life.

Fraud.

She tried to sound it out mentally, taking his syllable separately but it still sounded foreign and she watched his anticipation dissipate as he awaited her reply. He continued to stare intensely at her, his brows furrowing as the seconds dragged by.

"My Queen?" The tone of his voice unsettled her, he looked desperate for a reply and dread settled in her stomach. She wasn't who he thought she was and the look on his eyes made it evident, knowing the truth would irreversibly change their relationship.

So she did something unthinkable.

Clutching at her stomach, she feigned pain watching him push the book aside to grab her, wrapping her in his embrace as he rubbed her back. Whispering soothing sounds into her hair. She pressed her face into his neck, miserably. This was the life she'd yearned for, why were things still not as they should be?

She'd fallen asleep, too shamed to allow him to hold her that night. He hadn't tried to change her mind, rolling over and turning his back to her. It felt like they had moved back to step one.

She'd kept her distance following that incident, needing a moment to process her thoughts without her love for him clouding her mind. He hadn't tried to visit her either, instead sending letters to check on her and their unborn child. She felt the wall being built and she didn't know what to do to stop its insurrection.

Sneaking away without her court ladies noticing she went for a late night stroll, hoping to clear her thoughts of the King, Her luck must have been running out because instead she stumbled onto a conversation that was not meant for her ears.

Her intention hadn't been to eavesdrop but she couldn't walk away, it piqued her interest too much.

"The King seems different these days, wouldn't you agree?" The usual jovial voice of Special Director Hong was serious as he asked the question, using a cloth to clean a long gleaming gun as he stared up at the King's brother.

The prince stopped sharpening his sword for a moment to consider the question, after a long pause he nodded in agreement.

"Yes. He seems troubled and he has not been visiting her highness. Each day he sighs while holding a strange book. He seems lost.".

"What do you think could be bothering him? He has everything he's ever dreamed of. The kingdom is doing better than ever and he's expecting a child. This should be the happiest moment of his life."

The Prince sighs shrugging before replying in a hushed voice, "I've not seen him like this since he learned that Hwa Jin was not the one from the well. He acted this way then too."

It feels like a dagger through her chest, stumbling back she rushes back to Daejojeon hall with her heart in shambles. What am I doing? She feels nauseous at the comparison, she was fooling the King and she doesn’t know how much longer she can continue this farce.

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To say the Queen is acting strange is an understatement, she is acting like someone completely different. He waited for her to drop the honorifics, thinking she was teasing him and this was meant to be a joke but she didn’t, instead she she began acting like a proper Queen and easily following the suggestions of her Court Lady to both of their dismay. What was wrong with her? Had she hit her head and forgotten that she was meant to be a loveable headache and not a soothing summer breeze?

She's still the same beautiful woman, looking at her evokes the same lust and admiration but speaking to her confuses him; in that she no longer uses words he cannot understand and her behavior is that of a trained Queen. He’s confused but her lack of confusion. She's being extremely consistent and he's never been more perplexed and thrown off kilter in his life.

He finds himself yearning for something he cannot name. Looking at her in the hopes he'll find what he's looking for and instead of a mischievous grin or an arrogant smirk, he's always greeted with the same serene smile. It's pretty but it's not the smile he's grown to love these past few months. It reminds him of the Soyong he'd met during that rain shower, someone he didn't know but found appealing.

They haven't slept together, despite sharing a bed. All of his advances have gone unnoticed, where as before it simply took them being in the same room to ignite a flame in both of their loins. Once he'd followed the Queen into a pantry, hearing her grumbling about nosy head chefs but once she noticed his presence, it only took seconds before they were ripping at each other's clothing. They'd been missing each other all week and he was practically starved for her. It was clear the feeling was exceptionally mutual. He'd taken her against the wall, hard with her egging him on and whispering pure filth in his ears.

"Fuck! Yes right there, don't be gentle. Fuck me until I can't walk, come on harder!"

He had no idea what that word she said meant, fuck but he was powerless against her commands flipping her around to pound into her from behind, a position that she had taught him. She wailed rocking back shamelessly to meet his harsh thrusts, the sound of her nails scratching the wall making his skin hot. Skrrrrrrrr. They slammed into each other until his legs were tense from the position and she wordlessly took over, separating them with a loud wet squelch before pushing him to the ground and riding him like a wild stallion. He had watched helpless as she bounced on top, her breasts jumping freely as she shoved him deep inside of her tight grip. When they were finished, he was dazed and breathless. She'd looked at him with barely opened eyes, slowly licking her lips looking like sin personified before patting his cheek.

"I needed that. Thanks for screwing my brains out." She barked slipping off his softening cock, he watched mesmerized as his spent dripped from her precious place.

More words he didn't fully comprehend but her satisfaction was obvious and that was all he needed. He'd preened under her, feeling himself swell again at her words.

She raised one eyebrow at the sudden press of hard skin in her thigh.

"Come visit me tonight. We need to make up for lost time."

They had made love until his cock couldn't get hard anymore and she'd collapsed next to him, splayed with her breasts bitten red and his seed leaking from her well used hole.

Something had changed but he couldn't place what it was exactly. He tried brushing it off but it gnawed at him until he couldn't hold it in and he'd broken down and asked her about the Queen's dictionary. He'd purposely chosen the word knowing exactly what it was. His Queen had used it several times to describe the corrupt members of the royal court. They'd all been frauds, living a lie wolf in sheep’s clothing.

He thought that would put his mind at ease but instead it had been the opposite; her hesitation solidified his fear, there was something afoot and he had to know what it was.

He sighs stroking at the book, he always keeps by his side.

"What am I missing?"

Before he can get too lost in his thoughts the head eunuch enters the room, bowing all the way.

"Your majesty, the Queen has come to visit you."

He looks up at the announcement, his usual excitement doused by his doubts but his heart does lurch at her arrival. His Queen did not care about propriety, coming to this chambers at such an indecent hour was a great sign. That was more like the Queen he'd grown to love. Maybe he had been overthinking and there was nothing amiss after all.

"Let her in." He straightens up, moving the scrolls to the side to give her his full attention.

He watches as she bows gracefully, before sitting down. Far away from him. A ball forms in his throat, he'd gotten used to sharing his space with her; and sharing his table during their late night talks. She didn't appear to have any intentions of joining him at the surface despite the constant occurrence of that happening the months prior. He tries to but he couldn't keep the disappointment off his face.

"My Queen what brings you here so lat--"

"I'm not who you think I am." She interrupts, staring down at the floor instead of looking into his eyes. Strange again, she was typically so good at maintaining eye contact at times even unnerving him.

He tenses at her exclamation, mouth falling open in shock. What did she mean? Who else could she possibly be if not his Queen?

"What are you saying? Are you feeling sick?"

She ignores his inquires, "You've noticed. That I'm different. I can see the way you look at me, the way everyone looks at me, like you're all waiting for something. I'm not that person."

He tilts his head, trying to understand her meaning but he can't decipher what she's trying to say. He tries to reconcile the two versions of the Queen he's come to know, the wild untamed Queen he fell in love with and this poised and tactful Queen he was a stranger to. The two don't make sense in his mind.

"The person you fell in love with..."

He stares at her intensely almost scared to hear the rest of her sentence but knowing he must, his biggest fear was living a lie and not having control over his fate. Holding his breath he impatiently waits.

"That wasn't me. Do you remember what I said to you the day after I woke up?"

He storms his memory trying to recall her words oh so long ago. Then it hits him, those crazy words coming out of her mouth.

I'm really a man. From the future.

He had paid her no attention than, barely wanting to be in her presence much less listening to her tall tales about something that couldn't be true. She was clearly a woman and the second claim held no possibility at all. But they'd had conversations later too about those same ideas, right in the spot he was sitting now.

She'd taught him about things he could only dream of- democracy, voting, people born with spoons, even people who loved others who shared the same sex. He'd been confused about the last one but she had explained it simply, "Love is love. Who cares what they have between their legs?" Worded in such a manner, he'd found it impossible to argue with her. Love was indeed, love.

"Are you saying that this was true? How can that be? You are here right now. Who are you then?"

She sighed finally looking at him, face cloaked in sadness.

"I'm Kim Soyong, the person you are in love with is Jang Bong Hwan. He was controlling this body after I jumped into the lake. He's the one that helped you and he's the one that was willing to die for you."

He gasps leaning back in his chair, before bringing up a hand to cover his face, scrubbing wordlessly at his skin.

"I know this is shocking but I couldn't lie to you anymore, you kept looking for him and it's clear I'm not the one you want." Her voice is soft, barely a whisper and guilt spreads at her assessment- she's right and he's guilty that he can't deny it.

A sad smile fills her face, "Don't feel bad. You didn't do anything wrong. I should have fought harder to have the life I wanted, I thought death was my only option but I should have chosen to live. I didn't love myself enough to fight."

He's suddenly transported to that night by the lake, her eyes glowing with tears as she begged him to love her, to understand her. He hadn't been able to see that moment clearly then, assuming it was a command and that she was another evil member of the Kim Clan. She'd loved him but he couldn't see it then too blinded by his thirst for vengeance.

But he sees it now. Clear as daylight.

"I'm sorry."

She seems paralyzed by his unexpected apology but before she can cut him off he continues, "I'm sorry I couldn't understand you. I was too blinded by revenge to see you that you were a victim too. I should have tried to understand you." He owes her at least that much, but he can't say that he wishes things were different. It would be falsehood. If she hadn't done that unspeakable act of throwing herself into the lake he would have never met Jang Bong Hwan, the man he loved.

It was selfish but he wouldn't have changed anything, it was all worth it for those fleeting moments they spent together.

"Is he gone now? Back to where he belonged? Is he....happy?" He's broken at the idea that he'll never see him again, they never even got to say good bye. Was he alone now with no one to comfort him? Did he struggle to fall asleep too? It hurts that he will never know.

"I think so."

That has to be enough then, he has to accept things for what they are. It was against the rules of time that they crashed into each other's orbit, fates hand had taken a wrong turn and this was the Queen he was supposed to be with, he understood her now. He didn't hate her. He could grow to accept her and his fate and move on, he had to.

But his heart rips remembering her- no him wrapping the scarf around his neck, the first time he saw the embroidered CJ and how it brought him to tears. His grunts as he carried him from the well and let him hold him until he fell asleep. His face as he'd reached for him after the explosion, the distress and panic. How was he supposed to forget any of those moments? How was he supposed to go on living without Jang Bong Hwan?

"Thank you for telling me."

"That's not all I came here to tell you."

His head spins, nervous about what other information she could possibly have to tell him. He still hasn't processed this, both that he's been in love with a man and that he'll never see this man again.

"I want to give him my body."

All the whirling in his brain shuts down at her utterance. Finally, his mind is silent.

"What?"

She repeats with more confidence, "I want to bring him back. I want to give him back this body."

He stifles his glee at the suggestion, knowing that he can't allow her to do such a thing. This was her body, her life, how could he allow her to throw herself into the lake again? He was a better man now, he wouldn't stand by as she took her life, not this time.

"No. I can't let you do that. My happiness is not worth more than your life, I will get past this I promise you. I will stop looking at you with expectations, I'll accept who you are." He will grow to think of her fondly, she's the mother of his child he will make space for her in his heart.

He watches as a single tear streams down her cheek, "Can you promise that you'll grow to love me, the way you love him?"

He's frozen at the question, he stares wide eyed at her. Immediately knowing the truth, avoiding her eyes as he stares at his palms. He can't make that promise when his heart only beats for one, he stays silent knowing that his silence speaks volumes.

"Would things have been different if I hadn't been from the Kim Clan?” She asks him again, the question that had tipped her over the edge and he feels all the regret and guilt in his body and this time he answers honestly.

"Yes. They might have, I could have accepted you better. But I love him now, I wouldn't change anything because it all brought me to him. I can't apologize for how things went." He knows those aren't the words she longs to hear but he can't give those to her, he can't accept her feelings.

"Maybe in a different universe, we could have been something more." She says heartbroken, face wet with tears now.

Maybe. But he doesn't want to find out. He wants this universe with the one who holds his heart.

She bows before standing, "I've made up my mind. I'm doing this for myself as well, I can't live my life as a shell. I want to find my own happiness too."

He watches as she walks out the room, never looking back.

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He doesn't understand her full intention until days later, he watches puzzled as Hong Yeon, the Queen's most loyal court maid comes barreling towards him. Her face is red with exertion and something that looks like terror. He feels the same emotions coming to life in his body as he watches her pant and struggle to speak.

"What's wrong? Speak! What happened?" He commands, impatiently waiting for a reply.

"Your majesty, it's the Queen." She cries, a cascade of tears falling from her eyes and he doesn’t wait for any clarification before he bolts off to Daejojeon hall, hoping that he's not too late. He couldn't afford to lose anyone else.

#Mr.Queen #queen cheorin #king cheoljong #jang bong hwan #Kim So-yong #finale fix it #it was too painful despite my silver linings #no touch princess #mr.queen

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shouldntcryoverit · 3 years

Text

the art of discordance

captain rex x jedi!reader

previous chapter

masterlist

CHAPTER TEN

Hope you enjoy! Might start this series up again so let me know what you’d like to see and if you’d like to be tagged! 💕

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Jaida’s feet felt weighted as she plodded along the corridor. In fact her entire body did. She needed caf and, among other things, she needed peace and quiet.

But alas, as is the way of war, she’d have to settle with yet another delinquent briefing, which would most likely result in another mission for her to loose herself in. How fun.

Peace wasn’t an option as of right now, but caf certainly was. So as any ordinary Jedi going through dramatic changes to their moral code while fighting a war which had so far gone against everything they had ever been taught by their now dead master; Jaida went and got caf.

Now she stood outside the war room, significantly late, but with a half drunk cup in her hand. On any regular day, she would’ve surely rushed in; profoundly apologising for her misconduct and directing all her attention to any matters presented to make up for her tardiness.

But instead she stood and stared at the uninspiring, off-white and dented plastoid door with almost a scowl. After a second, she took a swig and entered.

“Jaida! I was wondering if you had gotten lost.” Obi-wan smiled warmly. There was a hint of a jeer in his aristocratic tone.

“Oh force I really am late aren’t I?” She tried to laugh, setting down her cup on a surface she’d found (ignoring the future ring it would leave), snapping into a character that would resemble her more awake self.

“What’ve I missed?” Jaida asked as she settled into place beside Anakin and across from Obi-wan.

The holo-projector before her displayed the usual; a barren-ish landscape with red dots across it, symbolising places she’d most likely have to risk her and her men’s lives before moving onto the next tiny red dot.

It felt fallacious to belittle that sacrifice to so little as those red dots, especially when they’d been planted like seeds as if they’re cost was unimportant. To Jaida, red dots had begun to look more like casualty reports and defeated medics; so much more than a speck on a map in a heated war room in the middle of comfortable Coruscant.

But as is the way of war, she thought.

“After the failure to capture Grievous on Salucami, we know his ships will be in this western quadrant.” Obi-wan gestured now to the map of the galaxy, the holo map had apparently changed as Jaida was blinking, and more specifically to a highlighted section of space.

Her red dots would be minuscule by now.

“Our fear is that with Grievous now in need of a place to get fuel and rations, he’ll attempt to take-over ,in effect, the next planet viable. Which in this case” The holomap zoomed into a reddish planet with a dark brown hue surrounding it, “Would be Yeon.”

“Yeon?” Jaida asked. “What’s on Yeon that Grievous could want?”

Obiwan shifted his weight before speaking. Jaida sighed; sometimes she really did regret asking questions so much, especially when the answer require a deep breath.

“Yeon used to be home to a powerful empire, though the dissolution of said empire left the planet vulnerable and corrupt. The wealth still remains, but without proper safeguarding. It isn’t unlikely that Grievous hopes to exploit this, and use their land and people to help secure more galactic wins.” He finished with a flourish. He did always make good speeches, however short or dull.

Jaida shivered. The thought of such peaceful people once again being used as pawns in the seperatist game made her stomach turn. Is this what the galaxy had come to? Perhaps that question could be answered another day.

Anakin, who had up until this point been studying his friends demeanour and desperately trying to figure out the reason for her obvious lack of clarity, spoke next.

“Our mission is to intercept their ‘invasion’ and protect the people of Yeon before Grievous can even reach them.”

“Huh, fun.” She clicked.

A few more details were flattened out, though they mostly fell on deaf ears as Jaida replayed the events of that morning.

“We’ll leave tonight, get a head start.”

Great, she thought.

The corridor felt like it would never end as Jaida carried a backpack towards her destination. It was half full of ration packs and bacta supplies: in short she had no clue what to pack for. The feeling of unpreparedness sat heavy on her chest, even as she commed Anakin to meet her in the hanger.

As she did, Echo opened the door for her, between beckoning to Hardcase that his helmet was where he’d left it. Jaida almost laughed at how mumsy Echo got the few hours before a mission; it almost matched Kix’s mother hen approach.

“Where’re we up to?” Jaida asked, hesitantly setting down the bag beside her feet as she looked over the clones all preparing for a mission.

Echo smiled softly, giving one last side eye to his dazed brothers before giving her his full attention “Almost ready.”

“Thank you.” She could always count on Echo, and a warmth spread over her expression, secure in that fact. “Where’s-“

“Hullo!” The other jedi spoke through a cracker in his mouth. “You good?”

“Where’d you get that cracker?”

Anakin swallowed. Echo had to suppress his laughter at how much they resembled begrudging siblings.

“Help me with those crates and I’ll show you.” He shrugged off, beckoning for Jaida to follow his path.

The good news was the Hardcase had managed to locate his stranded helmet, and Fives only laughed for a few minute at how he almost cried that he’d thought he’d lost it: but the bad news was that Jaida realised that she would eventually have to talk to her captain, who was standing by the edge of the hangar with Kix.

He’d showered, and his pauldron was fixed. He looked so perfectly in control as he watchfully peered over his men. Jaida felt childish almost instantly at the anxiety balled in her stomach at just the thought of having to look at his deep and piercing eyes to talk to him. This was that feeling ‘crushes’ gave you, as Anakin would explain, and Jaida didn’t get ‘crushes’. Not ever, and not now.

She began to help the clones prepare what few weapons they thought they needed. There wasn’t much to sort out and load up, but still among the Torrent company; it was a grand feat.

Jaida was counting reloads and ration packs when she sensed him. Rex, as you could quite obviously expect, was coming closer. She exhaled fiercely out of her nose and picked up the crate she’d been kneeling over. “He’s just being a captain, just be a General.” She repeated to herself like a mantra.

But when she looked up and his gaze was already on her, she froze; childish and with a crush.

“You’re coming too?” Jaida cleared her throat and asked nonchalantly, trying desperately hard to prevent a redness forming on her cheeks.

“Of course.” Rex spoke flatly. His eyebrow twitched slightly as the words left his lips, perhaps testing her meaning.

“But you’re still injured.”

Now he did raise an eyebrow, “I’ll be fine.”

Jaida kissed her teeth, slightly annoyed at her inability to calm herself now.

She nodded as no words formed on her tongue. Nothing to express the ball of emotion in her throat. The Jedi didn’t meet his eyes as she turned away.

Rex caught her arm as she went to bring her crate to the ship, but even as he stopped her pivot she was reluctant to meet his gaze.

“Jaida-” He tried.

“Don’t.” Jaida cut him off, finally glaring at him, then quickly skimming over the room to check if anyone was noticing their ‘conversation’.

“Just promise me.” Vulnerability flashed across her face as the words left her mouth, and even those crystallised amber eyes of his couldn’t make her believe he would.

Rex bit his lip and flicked back over his men across the room, before looking back at Jaida’s ask. He nodded slowly, accepting that he’d want the exact same if it were her. Whatever it was that they shared really wasn’t simple.

“I promise.”

She smiled slightly, before he let her go and she walked off to the ship.

The company left not long after, but not before Anakin and Jaida managed to bicker over who should fly the ship, then if they’d brought the right rations, then whether or not they were ready. At least it was entertaining for the clones to watch their General’s be so relaxed yet so uppity.

But nonetheless, the company all fitted into their respective places and the ship left. Jaida, after bribing Anakin, was flying the ship. She thought that it’d help her concentrate ready for the next mission, although it did also mean that she wouldn’t have to talk to anyone - so, plus.

The journey was rather short, but it certainly wasn’t sweet; for each time Jaida didn’t have to plant coordinates or watch the pressure levels in the engine, her mind slipped to the events of that morning, over and over again like torture. The guilt and worry pressed heavily against her frame; it was fair to say she was absentminded.

But they made it.

“I think we’re here boys.” Skywalker spoke over the channels.

The landing wasn’t rough, but Jaida’s vision through the ship window was too clouded to navigate properly through the thick air. The ship rocked as it hit the ground, and as the men filed our, their pilot was reluctant to follow.

The company gathered outside, Anakin knocked her shoulder; something he always used to do if she was nervous before a practice or exam. It made her finally exhale the breath she’d been holding onto.

It was dark when they made it to the village: a small dwelling lit with vibrant lights around each hut and structure. There was a hum in the air of content, they were peaceful people, and their laughter and chatter floated through the company like a warm drink.

Jaida wanted to welcome it, she really did, but she couldn’t, not when her head was this scrambled. She was still tired, and still torn between wanting to stay true to her morals and protect Rex, as well as desperately wanting to give in to her heart.

Mind over matter, her master would say. Though it seemed futile now.

Jaida followed her men into the village and tried once more to be content with the sweetness of the air. The sun was hanging low in the sky, but it still illuminated the tops of houses and slopes of hills in spite of the darkening hue encroaching. It was peace, the very kind she needed. Yet it would not breach her armoured skin.

The clones had managed to settle in rather quickly, having now taken off a few bits of armour and their helmets. They were standing and laughing with locals dotted about a wide fire pit, an area which Jaida took to be the market place.

After a cheer of babbling and exuberance calling for them, drums began playing in the background as entertainment; and the villagers seemed excited to have new guests for what looked like the first time in a while. They passed out food to the solidiers, colours of orange and green mixing on platters of fruits and perfectly cooked meat. After having a drank a few of their offered drinks, of which their alcohol quantity was unknown, Fives, Jesse and Hardcase danced to the beat as Echo and Kix tried not to laugh.

Jaida watched with an absent grin. She was resting on a crate with a cup of some sweet drink she’d been given by a swirling child, happy to see them so relaxed. Her view shifted from the gaggle of men to her Captain, who was laughing handsomely at his brothers’ feeble attempts. She tried to ignore the pounding in her stomach growing at how his face was illuminated so perfectly by the evening sun, and how it made her tongue swell to see him aswell so at peace. But it was rather difficult to ignore, especially when she couldn’t not-look.

Jaida placed her cup beside her and backed away, leaving the dancing and laughter behind her.

She found herself in the main hall of their largest structure, eyes closed in her own attempt at peace. She could still taste the wafting smell of meats and breads being cooked just a little further away. It smelt like herbs and spices she remembered only faintly from her own travels with her master. Jaida stood, staring at the painting on the closest wall to her when she wasn’t instead focused on her closed eyelids. Her brain was too foggy for anything else.

It was silent. Of course the base of the drums and the echoes of her men and their hosts still made their way in and out of the open windows, but it was silent to her. So silent that when footsteps began behind her she almost jumped.

The presence made it’s way to just a step behind her and paused. It didn’t take a genius to figure out who it belonged to, but still, Jaida cursed her abilities to identify the warmth and security it brought nonetheless.

“You left?“ Rex’s tone was more a question than a statement, and Jaida didn’t open her eyes as he stepped and stood next to her.

“I needed to think without Fives’ dancing distracting me.” She joked in a low tone.

“You call that dancing?”

Jaida chuckled lightly at that, meeting his smiling eyeline.

A moment of warmth spread between the two. It was as if the complications of their feelings melted away for a few seconds, and both simply relished the presence of each other. But it was short lived.

“I cant think either.”

Her eyebrows were knitted in slight pain and sadness, something he recognised within his own head. She couldn’t speak.

“Do you regret it?” Rex broke the silence between them.

“What?”

“The other night.”

Jaida paused loudly, but spoke with force after a second passed. “No. I don’t. ”

Silence again.

“I don’t know what to do to make this… better.” Jaida admitted, the vulnerability in her voice making her cringe.

Jaida sighed and fixed her almost tearful expression back to that familiar neutral coldness. “I don’t even understand it.” She almost whispered.

“Neither do I.” His words were barely there. “I don’t think anyone ever does.”

“Then how do you know it’s real?” Jaida swallowed, blinking down her rising dejection.

Rex paused again, but spoke with purpose. He had been brave before, now was no different.

“Because whenever you enter the room it feels like time stops. I always look for you, like seeing you will change everything. And you know what, it does; everything stops.”

Jaida was shocked to hear the confession, and it made her heart melt when she turned to face him. His face was just as creased as hers; just as pained.

He studied her eyes for a second, almost asking for permission to continue, or even to be dared to do so. But he took in a breath and carried on:

“I knew it when we were stuck in that cave, and you fell asleep against the wall. All I could think of was how perfect you looked. Force, I don’t think you’ve ever left my head since.”

She smiled. A wilful smile that covered all of her stern face. She knew that feeling he described and it made her stomach erupt as he spoke of it.

Her words fell as a whisper once again. “I can’t ask you to risk your entire life on this. But you can’t tell how much I want to.” She spoke louder now.

Rex’s eyes softened.

“We’re at war, Jade. Some things are just worth it.” Rex paused and looked to her. Her eyes held a silent beg. “You’re worth it.” He wanted to say, but didn’t. Perhaps a part of him knew that he didn’t need to.

In the dim light, he could hardly see her face at all, but the peace that had spread across it was blindingly clear. Jaida blinked.

And Rex closed the small gap between their faces and pressed his lips against hers; tender and gentle yet proud, as if it was their first. He lifted his hand to cup her face and she melted into his touch, allowing the warmth of his mouth to thaw the cold of her heart. The kiss was acceptance, it was emotion and it was thrill.

“I’m in if you’re in.” He demurred with lighthearted intention.

Jaida smiled softly, joy in her eyes that Rex only caught glimpses of, but she caught his lips in feeble ecstasy.

She broke away with a dainty smile, and Rex laughed.

“I’m in.” The jedi whispered.

He grinned again, wider now as a perfect laugh fell from Jaida’s perfect lips.

His fingers dropped from her cheek and found hers without question, taking her hand in his as he refused to break away from her hopeful eyes.

Rex squeezed her hand, then jolted, taking her with him as he ran out of the hall and back to where the music still rumbled.

Jaida let him whisk her away, gladly.

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perqedel · 3 years

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vincenzo (2021) / ★★★★★

is this song joong ki’s drama comeback? is there any drama with him involved that’s not a hit? genuinely asking because this drama is That good i want to watch it again (not immediately of course i’m not obsessed or anything) (or am i?)

is there anything, name literally a better combination, that is better than action + crime AND comedy??? Nothing. except maybe the pandemic ending and we all get back to our normal lives without losing more lives, hurting more people, and damaging every aspect of living humans’ hands can ever touch (a moment of prayers also get vaccinated, loves!)

god, where do i begin with this drama. first of all, no characters is a waste of character. you know what i mean when a character is just meant to be a topping but doesn’t necessarily support the story or anything so they’re just there as if to give ad libs or more screen time for the main characters. vincenzo literally gives you a bunch of characters you will absolutely adore, hate, eventually grow to adore, eventually grow to hate.

the storyline. it will not bore you. at least it didn’t bore me at all. it drives you in because you want to know, nope you Need to know what happens next while at the same time you hate for it to end because it’s so good. plot twists exist. but they’re not the grand kind of plot twists that give you the most alternate ending. it’s just small ones, slipped here and there. which anyways i find quite enjoyable because that way viewers won’t lose the grasp on the main storyline.

the casts. man. every single cast of this drama. i’ve only seen jeon yeo bin on secret zoo and the woman literally acts as a sloth and hangs on a tree throughout the movie but damn, the woman is irresistible. and the scene where they do the 설렘 트스트 WTF WHY IS IT SO CUTE what do you mean you have to Hug the cute mafia because you want to know whether you’re starting to have feelings? WHAT kind of defense mechanism is that? (which at that time i thought was a not so bad idea but then i remembered i am traumatized by men and if i ever think about falling for some men other than kim dong hee or lee do hyun or any of my kpop boys, i hope someone slaps my back so hard i start hating on men again). no but for real, every cast of this drama is genuinely funny. maybe that’s why the comedy scenes feel almost natural. you know how some dramas try to be funny but it just won’t show. this drama literally gives you funny scenes without being exaggerated. it gets you laughing without giving you overboard jokes or too much... funniness. i’m starting to speak nonsense but if you watched it, you’d get me. go look vincenzo x 출장 십오야 on youtube and see for yourself how the casts naturally go along with each other and naturally funny that i (a variety show watcher, even when i’m going to sleep) somehow think they might have a knack for variety shows.

you might think my favorite character would be song joong ki’s. because there’s no way you won’t fall in love with a good-looking mafia who knows how to torture someone so they can taste every second of their death coming, right. right? there’s something undeniably charming about men who kill people in a beautiful way, almost artistic (i think the writers and producers binge watch MOST HORRIFYING TORTURE DEVICES IN 100 BC and then dump it on this drama, this is not a complaint by the way). my favorite was kwak dong yeon’s. jang han seo was just, i dont know, pure? innocent? dumb? i think i might have a thing for billionaires with half-functioning brains (not literally), maybe that’s how i could get their assets easier (joking) (maybe not).

i’m just gonna end it right here and hope there’s enough space for me to upload the scene i’ll forever love.

#vincenzo

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what-breaks-my-heart · 3 years

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Here are some brief thoughts on kdrama that started airing in 2020 that I've watched. I said brief, but those who have been following me would appreciate that this is indeed, brief.

The list is in alphabetical order.

1. 365: Repeat the Year (MBC)

Disclosure: I am a HUGE Lee Joon Hyuk stan. He is second only to Hyun Bin on my list. The fact that this drama is on the top of this list is a happy coincidence 🥰🥰

I was soooooooo excited when I knew Lee Joon Hyuk was to star in a new drama. MBC made the announcement of the drama late last year, and I was literally walking to the office when I saw the announcement on ig.

The premise of the drama was pretty straightforward. 10 people were given the chance to travel back in time exactly one year prior. Mysterious things kept happening to the people who took the trip, so our Detective Ji “Fluffy-Hair” Hyung Joo and webtoon writer Shin “Self-Hater” Ga Hyun joined hands to figure out what exactly happened.

Once they finally figured out what caused the mysterious cases, they faced a great dilemma on what to do, with our Fluffy Hair detective running as a fugitive.

The ending was really sad, and I really wished it ended differently, but the main character of the story was our Fluffy Hair detective, and him having to live on and reset the whole thing from the new past was a nice touch to the ending.

This drama was full of surprises, twist and turn, and it is certainly a drama I would consider rewatching in the future.

2. Do You Like Brahms? (SBS)

Many people criticised the second half of this drama. Apparently the year 2020 is the year when kdramaland keeps being a disappointment, and many people are quick to include this drama in the list of disappointing drama, despite having a good beginning.

I beg to differ though. To me this drama feels more of a healing drama, wherein the characters are forced to deal with their issues. And anyone who has had to go through any form of therapy knows how hard healing process is.

TL;DR: The main leads are both people who have been mentally abused by the people around them, except for Cha Young In, because she was the only reason I did not throw my remote control at my 50-inch TV.

Park Joon Young is your classic example of a ‘gifted kid’ struggle. He was seen as a young, talented pianist who had a bright future ahead of him. But people started to treat him more like a trophy than a human being, so he decided to take a sabbatical, much to the criticism of people in the music industry. Park Joon Young realised that his passion in playing the piano has faded away, no thanks to his abusive piano professor who belittled him again and again, and practically brainwashed him into being a people pleaser. You could see how Park Joon Young was not himself in the beginning of the drama once you finish the drama.

Chae Song Ah took interest in violin at a later age (much later than professional musicians) and decided to pursue her dream by enrolling into a music programme. Her classmates were all younger than her, and it didn’t help that they all learnt music since much younger. I love how Song Ah did not give up on her dream easily and gave it her all, before she finally decided to let go of her dream to become a musician. The metaphor of her love for violin and Joon Young hurting her again and again and she just endured it though.. I cried like a mess well I am a mess but that’s a separate issue

Special shout out to Cha Young In who was there for both of them.

3. Flower of Evil (tvN)

If thriller is your thing, consider this drama. If you are one of those people who like to see your characters being tortured (physically and mentally), this drama is a MUST WATCH. And if you enjoy watching Lee Joon Ki playing a character who is put at a great distress because he is trying to run from his past, go watch this drama.

More importantly, if you enjoy a drama where your ML is sexy, attends to house chores and takes care of his bright young daughter while his wife goes crazy for solving violent crimes, a devoted husband who is attentive and a tender person but also a freak in the sheets, you are wasting every single of your breath not watching this drama.

I mean look at this man teasing his wife about his stamina.

Flower of Evil did not feel draggy at all. Everything that happened within the first 6 episodes could have been an entire drama if this was written by someone else. Seriously, this drama kept me at the edge of my couch!

The dynamic of HS and JW screams POWER COUPLE but at the same time it broke my heart how they were pushed into corners too many times by the people around them I do hope they had some sexy times while they were in the corners though

The focus on their wedding rings throughout the drama symbolised their unbreakable bond. The wedding rings were literally the very last thing that kept them together when JW stumbled upon evidences that pointed against HS.

JW, whose compass was only trusting what she saw, and not what she heard, tried to break the stigma of women being at a disadvantage in the police force. Heck, she was better than her entire team when it came to solving cases, her being the only woman in the team. Who said women cannot make good cops?

The plot twist though.. And the climax.. To this day, I still listen to this soundtrack from the drama and cry just thinking of the climax.

4. Into the Ring (also known as Memorials) (KBS2)

I didn’t even plan on watching this drama. I was channel surfing and saw Park Sung Hoon looking all depressed in the first episode and ran into Koo Se Ra. Girl was UNHINGED and determined to fight for her way.

Her motivation was initially on getting a stable pay check from being a district representative (it was only 60 million won which is like USD55k so it’s not that much) but she eventually became the district representative who fought for the benefit of the people and did not care for the political warfare that took place.

Came along Seo Gong Myung, a government officer in the local government office who was demoted from planning unit of the accounting department or something to be a secretariat to the district assembly. Seo Gong Myung sticks to his principle no matter what, which surprise surprise, is HATED by everyone in the district government.

Turns out our main leads were friends when they were kids so Se Ra kept teasing him and dragging him into her scheme of fighting for the people, which Gong Myung agreed to, not so much because he was a community-loving person, but because he was afraid Se Ra would get into trouble since she was as straight as a ruler.

Long story short, our leads fell for each other, and their relationship was HILAIROUS to watch. I think I speak for everyone who watched the drama that we had no reason to believe Se Ra did not peg Gong Myung for fun 😝😝

They were so cute together awwww

5. Kairos (MBC)

This is another drama that I stumbled into. Only this time, I saw Nam Gyu Ri and I remember seeing her ig post on a new drama so I decided to give it a go. She wrecked my heart in 49 Days so I decided to check this out for funsies. Hooo boy was I in for a major surprise.

The first two episodes got me hooketh!! I still cannot believe how the drama managed to keep me on my edge especially during the last 5 minutes of every episode. The pacing is even faster than Flower of Evil, and since this drama went back and forth between past and future, it keeps me guessing whether their efforts would bear fruit.

Will Kim “Sexy Brain” Seo Jin and Han “I-Know-No-Fear” Ae Ri succeed in fighting the evil, who at this point in time remains unknown? I know Chairman Yoo Seo Il is currently being hinted as the culprit behind everything but I know better that he is just a puppet who sold his soul to the real devil who most likely is in the higher ranks in politics. I mean he even hinted at his remorse for what happened with Taejung Town 19 years prior. My suspicion is he is trying to cover up whatever happened because otherwise his own family would be at risk, so his only option is to redeem himself by doing something about the Taejung Town. I could be wrong, but regardless of who turns out to be the real villain in the story, I can say I am so satisfied by how the story has progressed so far.

The time paradox still hurts my brain, but I am choosing that this drama does not assume that time is linear.

There is still not enough people watching this drama and I’m begging you all to go and catch up before it ends in two weeks time.

6. More than Friends (JTBC)

A little trivia: I reblog most of the posts from @kdramastuff even if I am not watching the show at the point of reblogging the posts. I had been following her posts on this drama for 3 weeks, and I finally decided to marathon all 6 episodes and joined the watching party.

More than Friends was another drama that many people called a disappointment but I had a different opinion on it. Yes, I used to be the nerd who had different opinions on many things in high school sue me

The drama is premised on Kyung Woo Yeon who is said to have a crush on her high school friend, Lee Soo for 10 years. Lee Soo is nowhere near to be the perfect boyfriend material. He is selfish, does not care about other people’s feelings, and was always a lone ranger.

BUUUUUUT, Lee Soo seemed to show signs of care and affection (even though it was not at all for a normal person’s standard) for Woo Yeon. Surprisingly, he seemed to only do it for Woo Yeon and gave attention to Woo Yeon alone, even though he could practically pick and choose anyone he liked from the swarm of girls who were chasing him.

One day, he told Woo Yeon that he had to leave to the US to study, which made our girl sad. She decided to confess at the airport, but he outright turned her down, saying he only wanted to be friends with her. Over the time, they kept running into each other by coincidence (note: her name Woo Yeon is a wordplay on coincidence in Korean). Later, it was revealed that he wanted her to always be by his side, but he has built a wall as tall as the Great Wall of China before the idea of love so he didn’t realise what his true feeling for Woo Yeon was all along.

Woo Yeon, who felt sick of the ten-year crush, decided to end the “curse” and kissed him by the beach, thinking of getting a closure on her crush.

Long story short, Lee Soo finally realised his feeling for her and decided to confess, but by that time, a young, handsome, rich CEO of a conglomerate has entered into the picture. Cue the game of cat and mouse between Lee Soo and Woo Yeon about resentment, regret and relationship.

This drama was promoted as a romcom, but it feels more like a slice-of-life drama with a mix of melo and romcom in there. Seriously, I cried buckets watching this drama, not something you’d expect from a romcom. The dialogues were well-written, with each episode revolving around a specific theme. This was such a good drama coming from a rookie writer.

This drama did not have that many viewers to begin with, and many of those few people dropped it along the way, including the one who was responsible in getting me hooked into this drama :p By the end of it, there were so few people talking about this drama in the tag (shout out to @dohyunsoo @have-yet-to-decide @starfire-s @thbn-anything for keeping me company to the very end of this drama)

This drama broke my record of screenshots per episode and total screenshots for any show. Until now, I have yet to finish posting them. I should probably upload more screenshots later tonight.

This drama had some AMAZING shots in the first half, with beautiful sceneries mostly in Seoul. It’s like what they said, “a daily occurrence for you, a trip for me”.

7. Oh My Baby (tvN)

I did not even remember watching this drama!! It was only after scrolling through my gallery that I saw I had shared some posts on my ig story about the drama.

It was in the middle of a lockdown when this drama aired and many of my memories from back then feel so distant to me.

The plot was not THAT good, but this drama is something you may consider if you like torturing yourself about the struggle of wanting to have a baby.

8. Once Again (KBS2)

Arguably one of the weekend family drama KBS2 in a while that kept me waiting for new episodes in front of my TV. Some people are turned off by weekend family drama because they tend to have slow pacing which makes viewers feel like they are being dragged to one of those boring corporate events that you would rather miss and wish you could be literally anywhere else.

Because this drama had more pairing than the typical weekend family drama, the story did take some time before it was on full momentum. It did feel like the drama could have been better with even one less sibling to worry about, but it was a fun watch in the middle of lockdown.

Will I watch it again? I’d rather rewatch House of Bluebird (starring Lee Joon Hyuk and Lee Sang Yeob as friends to enemies to friends again) because that drama spoke to me in a way that was more relatable. No hate to Once Again though. I just prefer House of Bluebird better.

Note: Justice for Song Ga Hee and her lovely son, Kim Ji Hoon. He had to grow up so much because of what happened to his mother, that it broke Ga Hee’s heart. And mine of course

9. Secret Forest 2 (tvN)

I watched Secret Forest once it has finished and I fell in love with the drama! Imagine my excitement when they announced Secret Forest 2 with my three main characters reprising their roles. No hate to Yoon Se Ah, I love her, but her screen time in Secret Forest was not enough to make me excited about her return. But I was pleased with her role in Secret Forest 2 and I hope if there is a third season, her character gets the redemption arc that she yearns for.

Secret Forest 2 was not as intense as the brilliant original, but I understood that it had to do with the overall theme of the season, and the theme required the script to be as such. Some people may argue me on this, but I still think what they pulled off was brilliant.

Too bad there was a severe lack of Lee Joon Hyuk on my screen though.

10. Tale of the Nine-Tailed (tvN)

Well. This drama went far beyond my expectation. The OTP was to die for. No such thing as miscommunication trope. This drama did not waste time on unnecessary drama. The pacing was incredibly fast, even faster than Kairos. Although to be fair, Kairos had to play with two different timelines and required time to establish the setting.

I’m sad about what happened to Lee Rang, but he did what he did, and he would never be able to erase that much pain from his memory even if the deities decided to be lenient on him because of his roles in killing off Imoogi. A fresh start as a human seemed like a fair reset to his life, and I hope he lives well, surrounded by people who love him.

I was never a fan of Jo Bo Ah (no hate on her, I was just indifferent) but this drama opened my eyes to what an incredible actress she is. I wish her a successful career ahead.

#365 repeat the year #365: repeat the year #do you like brahms #do you like brahms?#flower of evil #into the ring #kbs memorials #mbc kairos #more than friends #oh my baby #kbs once again #secret forest 2 #tale of the nine tailed #kdrama #kdrama review #kdrama opinion #personal #annual drama recap

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aer-in-wanderland · 3 years

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구미호뎐 | 이동욱 Lee Dong Wook VLIVE 2020.11.18 - *VS* Game

In which Lee Dong Wook’s promotional team present him with ridiculous Tale of the Nine Tailed-themed questions to answer (and the occasional embarrassing line to perform). Full transcription below the cut.

Full Transcript [0:37:41~1:08:30]

Intro

Then, now in earnest we’ll... (breaks down laughing at himself). Don’t I talk a lot? Right? I mean, every week they release a behind the scenes video, right? And in all of them it’s just me talking the whole time. Of course, I really sort of joked around a bit on set. Well, not a bit. I joked around a ton on set, with the staff and the with the other actors, I did have fun playing around a lot and I did that but...I mean I was just talking so much, all by myself [in the BTS]. It was to the extent that I thought, ‘Hey, what’s with this? Is that why I was so exhausted?’ (chuckles). Yes (chuckles more). I’m a chatterbox, a chatterbox, a chatterbox.

Well, in any case, we’ve now had free talk for about 40 minutes (chuckling at himself), so now we’ll start the first activity prepared for me by my promotional team in earnest.

[Looking to his staff] What might the first activity be? [Staff shoves a box full of folded slips of paper towards him silently]. (Breaks into laughter) [To the staff] Well what is this? [*silence*] (Bursts into a fit of laughter watching the staff) No, it’s not that, it’s just, will you die if you talk here? No, everyone, it’s fine if you talk. Everyone, promotional team...

[To the viewers again] Right now there are five members of my promotional team in front of me, six including my manager, but they won’t say a single word (laughing), like people who will die if they speak. [To his staff] I just have to pick one? Ah, if I pick one I’ll naturally understand? Understood. Then I’ll, (more laughter). In that case, I’ll pi- (bursts into another fit of laugher). Understood. Then I’ll pick one.

[Selects a paper] Okay! I picked one. They’re telling me that if I pick one I’ll naturally come to understand, so I picked one. [Holding the paper up] I see, it’s a VS game.

Q: Who is the strongest whiner? [0:39:48~]

A. Sajang who is whining to give him the Chinese lantern plant - VS - B. Yoo Ri who is whining to save Lee Rang-nim

(Laughing) [To his staff] Yah~ the question is really cute. Did you all prepare this? Oh, I see. This is cute.

[Re-reads the question] I think, in any case, for this one, I can’t help but think that Sajang who is whining to give him the Chinese lantern plant is the strongest whiner. I mean, as a human being, if you’ve lived for hundreds of years isn’t it enough already? While torturing people, while eating the Chinese lantern plant, do you really have to cling to life? I can’t help but think that... (trails off)

⇒ A

Ah, and Eom Hyo Seob-sunbae who plays Sajang acted together with me in Life [2018], so when I met him again this time I was happy to see him. In Life he was the head of the Cancer Center, and I was a fellow in the Emergency Medical Center, so on set I used to call him ‘Mr. Cancer Center Chief’ (laughing). I would be like, ‘Mr. Cancer Center Chief, you’re here!’ like that. Well, in any case, there was that behind the scenes, a very slight, a very slight TMI.

[Note: Sa-jang-nim is actually just his job title meaning ‘head of a company’ while ‘Am-center-jang-nim’ means ‘head of the Cancer Center.’ LDW was basically using his title from Life instead of his title in TotNT.]

(Clears his throat) Okay then I’ll pick the next one. [Pulls another slip] I’ve picked it. [Spends a second debating where to place the box of questions]. I’ve picked one.

Q: Which scene was the most moving to Lee Yeon? [0:41:33~]

A. The scene where he saved Ji Ah after he returned in a near-death state from the Knife Mountain Hell - VS - B. The scene where he went to save Lee Rang who stood on death’s door in the Forest of the Starved

Yah, but for this one, isn’t the question framed wrong? In this case, these kids were the ones who were moved by me, weren’t they? (Laughs)

[Looking at his staff] No? Oh, talk! Please just talk! (Dies laughing)

[Looks back at the viewers] For this, I would have to ask these two though? I’d have to ask these two, for this one, I think that rather than Lee Yeon being moved, these were scenes where these two were probably moved by Lee Yeon. But in any case, the ending to episode 4 here and the ending of episode [8] where I go to save Rang-ie, they’re both meaningful. They’re iconic scenes that you can’t miss in our drama, they’re precious scenes, so I like both of them.

⇒ x

[Noting the heart count in the VLIVE app]

[Reading the live chat] I’m not going to call them. Those two are both busy people who each have their own lives so for me to suddenly call them would be an irresponsible thing to do. For today’s VLIVE, please just be satisfied watching me. I’m not going to call Kim Beom-ssi or Jo Bo Ah-ssi.

Then, moving on to the next question...

Q: If you had to have one as a morning desert, would you choose: [0:43:28~]

A. Meal worms that taste like mint chocolate ice cream - VS - B. Mint chocolate ice cream that tastes like meal worms

If you had to have one as a morning desert, would you choose: ‘meal worms that taste like mint chocolate ice cream’ ‘aish~ (laughing). [Knocks over the white board and fixes it] Okay, ‘mint chocolate flavored meal worms’ or, ‘meal worm flavored mint chocolate ice cream’? (chuckling - 3rd gif).

[To his staff] Who’s ever tried eating meal worms? What do they even taste like, meal worms?

Ah what’s with this~ How am I supposed to choose one of these? (Ponders the question for a bit) So I’ll choose B. Meal worm-flavored mint chocolate ice cream. (Sighs) Don’t you think it would at least be better to be eating ice cream? Rather than eating insects that taste like mint chocolate, I’ll eat ice cream. (Shaking his head) Ah~ that’s hard.

⇒ B

[Reading the live chat] Oh, it tastes nutty? Eh? You tried eating it? You’re saying you tried eating meal worms when you were seven? Who would try eating meal worms? There’s a lot of interesting people...

[Selecting another paper] Okay, next.

Q: If you had to dispose of one of your abilities which would you choose? [0:45:25~]

A. The ability to control nature - VS - B. The teleportation ability to move anywhere in an instant

Wah~ You can’t miss out on either of them though? Ah~ There’s nothing more appealing than the ability to teleport. Everyone, please think about it. How much time each day do we loose on the road? On our way to school, on our way to work, getting off work, going to cram school. If you save that time, you can get that much more sleep, right? That’s a really big [merit]. And think about it. When coronavirus ends and you can travel abroad again. Then you can use teleportation to go abroad instantly. You don’t have to spend like 14 hours on a plane.

The ability to control nature, how cool is this? This is really something that not just anybody can do. (Sighs while pondering the question again) Even so, if I had to give up one of them...I would give up my ability to teleport. I would use my ability to control nature and like...make it rain when there’s a drought, or make the rain stop when it rains too much, make the wind blow where there’s need of wind, that’s how I’d like to use my power. That’s what I’d do, yes.

⇒ B

[Talking to his staff] Oh~ you guys really did a good job coming up with difficult and weird questions. Really, the promotional team’s performance right now is really beyond my expectations. [Looking at a member of his staff] (chuckles) You really don’t ever smile, do you? (Laughing) Okay, continuing on, then...

Mission: “Don’t fly away. Your puppy will cry.” [0:47:15~]

‘Don’t fly away, your puppy will cry.’ [Looks to his staff] What’s this? You’re telling me to do this? (Looks at the paper for a while) You’re telling me to do this? Ah, this one’s a mission? So there’s not just VS questions, huh?

[To the viewers] Today, before doing the VLIVE, they told me about this corner and asked if I wanted to see the game ahead of time, and I said ‘I won’t. It’ll be more fun if I’m seeing it for the first time,’ but now I’m wishing I’d looked at it in advance. (Looks at the paper and sighs)

[To his staff] I have to do this like in the drama, don’t I? Is that right? (Laughs hollowly and puts his head down on the table) Ah~ I’m going crazy, seriously... (Puts his hands up to his face like in the drama but then can’t handle it and puts his head down on the desk again) ‘Aish~

[Softly to his staff] Everyone get out. Everyone go out. I want to be by myself.

“Don’t fly away, your puppy will cry~” (Performs the line but then can’t take his hands away from his face in embarrassment. Takes a long moment to collect himself)

(Sits up with his eyes closed) [Staff start clapping] Everyone get out. Leave before I open my eyes. I want to be by myself. If I open my eyes I think I’ll be really embarrassed so leave. (Waits a minute before opening his eyes, sighs, and then turns and calls to his staff). Team Manager, is there any soju? (chuckles) Okay, I understand.

[To the viewers] Ah, the promotional team really went and prepared a lot of things that I didn’t even imagine. Thanks a lot [said very formally but also without any sincerity whatsoever lol].

Q: If you were to be born again as a human, would you prefer to be: [0:49:25~]

A. A rich unemployed person - VS - B. A civil servant guaranteed employment until retirement

Of course it’s unconditionally A, right! There’s no need to even think this one over. Ah! (covers his mouth) Actually there are a lot of students watching right now. Everyone, you still need to study hard. We can’t be unemployed, right?

But I’m going with a rich unemployed person. OK.

⇒ A

Okay, next. [To his staff] I have to do all of these, right? (Answering his own question) Well, because I have to pay respect to the work you put into preparing them...hmmm [To his staff] Team Manager, that soju, can you put it into a water bottle and just... (laughs) Ah, it’s hot~

(Opens the next slip of paper and yells in chagrin) Ah, this!

Q: A never-ending battle? [0:50:12~]

A. Amazing Saturday - VS - B. Yoo Quiz

[Note: This question requires context so bear with me or skip to the next one. ;)

As part of the promotional rounds for TotNT, Lee Dong Wook, Jo Bo Ah, and Kim Beom appeared on Ep.128 of the quiz show, Amazing Saturday. There, they made a bet with the regular cast surrounding one of the quiz answers where whoever lost the bet would have to give a shout out to the other program (so if the TotNT cast won, the Amazing Saturday cast would have to promote the drama on their other variety shows, and if the AS cast won, the TotNT cast would have to reference AS in TotNT). They lost, and Lee Dong Wook promised he would reference AS at some point in an adlib. (This whole segment was actually really great because everyone figured it would be impossible and LDW was just like, ‘Call! I accept the challenge. I can do that.’ You can watch it here from about 5:50~)

LDW upheld his promise in EP05 when Yeon and Ji Ah go drinking and they compare the things they like. When LDW threw out the question he asked, ‘Yoo Quiz (another program that a close friend of his appears on) or Amazing Saturday?’ So then he felt apologetic towards Yoo Quiz and ended up sending them a coffee truck when Gong Yoo (Goblin, 2016) appeared as a guest on the program about a week or so before this VLIVE took place....so even though he’d finally managed to sort everything out, his staff are basically inciting him by asking him to choose again lol]

[Takes a moment before addressing the viewers] Just when I had finally finished all my reparations...(Nodding to himself) Just when I had finished all my reparations another wave is going to happen. (Looks at the paper for a long time) I’d like to appear on both programs sometime. If Amazing Saturday would invite me again, and Yoo Quiz please invite me sometime. I’ll just leave it at that. (Sighs) It’s hard, it’s hard.

⇒ x

[Takes a moment to drink some water and reiterate the things he wrote on his white board]

[Reading the live chat] Ah, it’s water, it’s water! It’s not soju, it’s not soju. This has been here since earlier. Everyone don’t misunderstand, that’ll be a big problem. There’s no way I’d do a live broadcast while drinking alcohol. Bad things would happen. No, please don’t misunderstand.

[Reading the live chat] It’s water, it’s water, yes. Please don’t misunderstand.

[Gives a shout out to the overseas fans and thanks them for the coffee trucks and gifts]

[Reading the live chat] My alcohol tolerance? My alcohol tolerance differs from day to day, but I never drink so much that I’m completely drunk or lose control of myself. I only ever drink enough that I’m still in good possession of myself and able and get home safely.

Then, continuing on. There are... (counts them) six left. There are six left, so I’ll continue...

[Suddenly thinks of something and looks to his staff] Are there more missions in here? You’re not going to tell me, are you? In any case. Alright. (To himself) How can I avoid picking those? Well, I have to do them all anyway...

(Opens the next one, reads it, and chuckles) [To his staff] You guys are crazy, seriously...

Q: If they were both drowning, who would you save first? [0:53:24~]

A. Ji Ah - VS - B. Shin Joo

If they fell in the water, if they fell in the water....Ah~ So this is how Shin Joo felt yesterday, this is how he felt. Yah~ ‘If they were both drowning, who would you save first, Ji Ah or Shin Joo?’ Ah~ I understand our actor Hwang Hee’s feelings. I understand Shin Joo’s feelings (sighs, then remembers something and chuckles).

[Note: This question is a reference to an exchange on Instagram. In preparation for an interview with Esquire, Hwang Hee posted on his Instagram inviting people to ask him TotNT-related questions. So Lee Dong Wook (who doesn’t run his own Instagram and isn’t on social media) texted a bunch of questions to Kim Beom and Jo Bo Ah to ask in his place. One question that he had Jo Bo Ah ask was, ‘If Lee Yeon and Yoo Ri were both drowning, who would you save?’ to which Hwang Hee responded, ‘That water, I will drink it all.’ lol]

[Looking directly at the camera] ‘That water, I will drink it all.’ (breaks into laughter) I’ll drink all of the water...Even if my water consumption goes badly I’ll do my best to save both of them.

[Reading the live chat] Ah, that’s right! I’m a mountain god so I can just make the wind blow like this and just part the water, I just need to do that. Why didn’t I think of that? As expected, the fans who are posting comments here are much smarter than me. Thank you.

That’s right. I was a mountain god. But I completely forgot that...

⇒ x

I’m not a really fast swimmer or anything but I’m still decent and I like playing in the water. I mentioned Life briefly earlier as well, but while shooting Life, free... (catches sight of something and starts laughing)

[Holds up a slip of paper with the words ‘Are you angry?’ written on it - lol] I’ve just received this message from my promotional team. No, not at all, what are you saying? I’m not mad. I’m not mad, and we can talk about more detailed things after the broadcast is over.

[Turns back to the viewers] When I was shooting Life, I learned free diving. I’d dive into about 10m deep water, so I don’t have any big rejection (fear) of water. But the ocean is different. Because the ocean has waves and undertow, you really need to be careful.

[Reading the live chat] I can’t do the butterfly stroke. The butterfly stroke is diffic- [Catches sight of the next prompt card and stops speaking mid-sentence. Drops the paper, sits back, and sighs lol]

(Holding the paper up reluctantly for the viewers to see)

Mission: “Part this darkness and lead me to that woman!” [0:55:32~]

(Long sigh)

[To his staff] How did you manage to pick all the most...these sort of lines, everyone?

(Reads the line out and laughs) You really went and picked just these kinds of lines one after another....I’ll do it standing, I’ll do it standing. Since I’m doing it anyway, I’ll do it standing.

(Spreads his arms wide and delivers the line like in the drama, then slowly sinks to the floor and makes like he’s going to crawl under the desk)

(Returns to his seat as one staff member starts clapping) [Looking at the person] Don’t clap. That’s more cheeky, don’t clap. Yah, if you’re going to clap you should all have clapped, what’s with just one person clapping? (laughs) Agh~

Even so, since today the broadcast was cancelled, even if I’m a bit...embarrassed or whatever, if you can enjoy yourselves, I’m satisfied with that. Yes. (Sighs again) This is definitely going around the internet as gifs, isn’t it? [Lol it definitely did] Yes, well, but in service of alleviating your disappointment at the broadcast being cancelled, I can handle this much. (Nods to himself) Okay, then continuing on...

Q: If you had to wear the same outfit and hairstyle for the rest of your life, would you choose: [0:58:02~]

A. The clothing of a mountain god + dark hair styled with pomade - VS - B. A suit + red and silver long hair

(Already laughing as he reads the question - gifs 1&2). Hey, this is essentially that right? Either the clothes are the mountain god clothes and the hair is dark and combed back with pomade in a modern style, or wear a suit with the mountain god hair, right?

[Directing the question to the live chat] Everyone please choose. Which do you think would suit me? What do you think would suit me, everyone please choose for me. Please send me your choice via the chat. I’ll choose whatever you choose.

Ah, this is really, the balance on this is really no joke. Wah~ This is really hard. Wah~ I mean, wearing a suit with that mountain god hair (breaks down laughing) Ah, how could you live your life like that? (more laughter) Ah, okay, I know. I know that this isn’t for real. And I know that there’s no way it could happen, too. But why do I end up taking it so seriously? Because I can’t help but keep picturing it (laughs).

[Checks the live chat] Oh? There are a ton of B’s? There are way more B’s than A’s? I see. I understand. In that case, if it ever became like this, if I could only wear one outfit and have one hairstyle for the rest of my life, I would have the suit and the mountain god (breaks into laughter before finishing his sentence) I’ll have the mountain god hair. Yah~ this one...the balance was good. Ah~ of all the questions in this VS game so far I think maybe the balance on this was the best.

⇒ B

Okay, then continuing on...Everyone, there are still 3 questions left. I have to do three more questions.

[Takes a water break]

Then I will continue with the game.

Q: Which term of affection would you prefer to hear from Ji Ah? [1:00:55~]

A. OPPA - VS - B. My puppy

‘What term of affection would you want to hear from Ji Ah? O-P-P-A, VS, my puppy.’ [He literally spells out the word in English here instead of just saying oppa lol]

Hm~ Hm~ [Takes a break to check the chat and reiterates that he’s drinking water and not soju] Please stop chatting that it’s soju. I’m going to get in trouble with Naver. That’d be bad, really bad. It’s water, don’t misunderstand.

[Returning to the prompt] ‘What term of affection would you want to hear from Ji Ah? O-P-P-A, VS, my puppy.’ Within the drama, Ji Ah has never once called me oppa, right? From the very beginning, she just uses banmal (chuckles) And from the very beginning she says ‘I waited for you (neo)’, right? [Note: ‘neo’ can be a bit rude, or at the very least isn’t polite]. So I think if she called me oppa it would be really awkward. I think, I just want Ji Ah to dote on me. So I’ll pick ‘my puppy.’ Because foxes are canines too.

⇒ B

Q: What makes you more angry? [1:02:15~]

A. When Imoogi fixates on Ji Ah - VS - B. When Sajang tries to drive a wedge between you and Lee Rang

Ah, okay, things that make Lee Yeon angry, right? ‘What makes Lee Yeon more angry?’ (Reads out the options) Ah~ This one is a bit... the balance doesn’t crumble in this situation. This one is definitely A.

To be honest, when Sajang tries to drive a wedge between the brothers, because I’m perfectly capable of resolving that myself, and I actually did resolve it in the drama, so that’s not a big problem. Also, I think that Lee Rang isn’t the type to fall for that either...

But when Imoogi fixates on Ji Ah, at those times, yes, a bit - well, not a bit - I get very angry.

That’s why, there’s that [scene] in the drama right? Where we’re fighting on the rooftop, and Imoogi says something about Ji Ah so I get angry and say ‘this XX,’ like that. And when he’s got ahold of Ji Ah’s shoulder, I show up and say I’ll break his wrist and such...yes.

⇒ A

[Reading the live chat] ‘When this is over is the promotional team going to be okay?’ Of course! They’re safe. It’s been amusing for me too. Only one question is left.

[Reading the live chat] ‘Are you close with Lee Tae Ri-nim?’ Yes, we’re close. All of us actors in Tale of the Nine Tailed are close and doing well.

[Reading the live chat] ‘If you mess with Ji Ah, Lee Yeon won’t stand for it, right?’ That’s right.

[Reading the live chat] ‘Long time no see, Lee Yeon’ (quoting Imoogi). Yeah, long time no see~

[redacted]

[Reading from the live chat] ‘I pray that at least one of those is a normal mission’ (laughs) [To his staff] Yah, look at that. Even the fans are telling you they hope it’s a normal mission. Okay, the last mission. [Holds up the empty box and reads off the title] ‘Do You Really Want to See It, Lee Dong Wook’s VLIVE?’, the last mission. Ah! I said mission, but. The last, I’ll now attempt to pick the last VS. It might not be a mission. Okay, what’ll it be? Ta-da! Ah~ it wasn’t a mission.

Q: If you had to experience hell one more time, which would you choose? [1:06:27~]

A. The Knife Mountain Hell full of knives - VS - B. The Forest of the Starved full of agwi?

(Blows out a long breath and contemplates the question for a while) This is hard. Why is this hard, you ask? I had a really really hard time filming both sequences. I went through a lot filming both, and the memories of those times keep flashing across my mind...Even so, I....

[Reading the live chat] ‘This question stresses me out.’ ‘I hate both.’ ‘There’s no end to the Forest of the Starved even if you die, right?’ ‘I really hate the Forest of the Starved.’ You’re right.

[Reading the live chat] ‘The knives hurt don’t they?’ That’s right.

[Reading the live chat] ‘Wah~ Isn’t this too cruel?’ [To his staff] Everyone, isn’t this too cruel, they say.... It’s not?

Okay, If I had to experience one again....I will not go to hell. I won’t choose~

⇒ x

Okay, with this, I played the VS game, and the occasional missions hidden in between, that my promotional team put a lot of effort into preparing for us. This was fun. [To his team] You did a really good job choosing the questions (nodding). Thank you all. Thanks (claps).

~~~

Wow, that was long! If you read this far, thanks for your attention and please consider liking or reblogging to let me know. I also posted a transcription of some of the Q&A that follows this, so please check that out as well if you’re interested. Annyeong~!

#lee dong wook #tale of the nine tailed #totnt #vlive #20201118 #my translations #이동욱 #구미호뎐 #vlive vs game #I dare you to try watching (or in this case reading) this without smiling

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sadviper · 3 years

Note

top 5 mctna scenes?

Gotta caveat that I only rewatched some of the beginning and the end for my fic writing, so I’ve since forgotten a lot of the middle, including most of the scenes where Bang-won shined. He really impressed me a lot too! But you’d never know it by how little I talk about him. ^^;; SPOILERS AHOY!

1) Sung-rok's sacrifice - ;_; Gosh, no brainer here. Not sure if I mentioned this online already, but I basically laughed my way through almost all of My Country--it was that bombastic and over-the-top fun-- until Sung-rok. SUNG-ROK. Dude probably had 10 lines in the entire show, but when he went, uuuufff, it made it all real for me, and I ugly cried through the last two eps. 2) Nam Jeon's end (+ fighting and iconic "you're sword is affectionate" moment that preceded it) - Honestly, should've ended the series right here. He was the real villain of the show, and what a masterful one at that! The build up! The climax! The catharsis of Bang-won doing the deed to spare the friendship, Nam Jeon's gut-wrenching final words to Seon-ho (VILLANY! Of all the horrible things he's done, him being kind was the worst!!!!)! It's too traumatic, Seon-ho in agony rejects Hwi!! The stuff that came after was rather wiggly and got progressively nonsensical. 3) Bro fight to get to the military exam/Fight at the military exam - had to cheat and do a two-fer for the contrast. I <3 the duo working together to beat up random soldiers just so Hwi could get a chance to apply. The last truly happy thing to happen before it all went downhill with Seon-ho's accidental betray at the exam. Seon-ho's torment there was truly exquisite. 4) Speaking of torment...Seon-ho secretly sobbing behind a bush while Hwi gets dragged away to the army? WOW. Followed by him rushing to Yeon's aid in desperation when she collapses, carrying her back home, only for Nam Jeon to throw her out? And when Seon-ho pitches a fit, Nam Jeon SHUSHES HIM and is all like, "Don't make so much noise, if you want something, threaten for it, young puppy". Distraught Seon-ho forces himself to follow through, and then Nam Jeon's all like, "nice threat, good boy". kjljkljlk 5) The magnificent one-take battle scene where Hwi wakes up and just slowly and steadily hacks his way through everyone with the help of the bros who will eventually become his posse. The scale of that fight with no one messing up!! The beautiful steady camera that let you luxuriate in all the moves and counter-moves playing out across the field of battle! No fast cuts and jerking camera here, it was wonderful. The squealing violins and Irish flute! Really got my blood up, mhhmm. Honorable mentions: 6) Seon-ho getting tortured in prison. I mean, whew, the whump!!!! Never mind his glorious wig, which deserves its own credits, but just how Seon-ho lay in his jail cell, then struggled up when Nam Jeon came to visit---the way Woo Do Hwan looked through the blood and his hair, sort of glassy-eyed, barely any fight left but goddammit, he wasn't going to lie there if someone was going to look at him-- 7) Fire-y recruitment scene/prince of darkness speech - just for the lol's, this was when I started laughing and didn't stop until Sung-rok's death.

#my country the new age #mctna #nam seon ho #nam jeon #seo hwi #asks

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dangermousie · 8 months

Text

The Kingdom of the Winds OTP post - part 2

Continued from here:

(99+) Musings of the Obsessive Kind on Tumblr

Point 5: The family that ninjaes together, stays together

And then they are sent on a mission and she volunteers. Nothing like mixing a bit of deadly poison and being protected by your hottie forbidden OTP.

There is also this:

And then she bandages up his arm completely ignoring her own wound. Awwww.

Especially when he is reminded by everyone all the time that he is a slave and she is a Princess so he better give up. So he just stares angstily at her with the other hot and messed-up assassin instead:

(Clearly assassin org only hires hot men. As they should.)

Because seriously, how could you not love Yeon? She's literally the pink light of his tortured existence.

Point 6: If your father is executed for treason, your life will suck. But you'll get a hot guy out of it.

Yeon's ninja daddy is framed and ordered killed with his whole family - by Muhyul's elite ninja squad. But Muhyul rescies Yeon regardless in a spectacularly awesome fashion. Significantly, he does not rescue the Daddy and something tells me he doesn't feel too bad about his demise.

"Wherever you are, I will find you." Someone is channeling the Last of the Mohicans.

This does not make Muhyul's issues any better however. On the plus side, the more messed-up he is, the hotter he looks. As I said, with the amount of whump, h/c and general angst, by the end he's so hot he's a bio hazard.

Point 7: The pretty girl? Is made of grit. And the pretty boy? Is made of angst.

Yeon has nothing now: no royal status, no family, no money, and she is hunted. However, she is determined. And bookish. I love that she is on foot in enemy country, by herself, still with a book!

She gets caught and sold into slavery. But luckily the buyer recognizes her doctor skills so she becomes a money-earning venture for him and not a bedmate.

Just as well, because do you really want to mess with this guy?

In the middle of his spectacular break-down and kidnapping/regicide plots (because believe or not, this drama actually has a long and complicated plot), he takes time out to carve the figure of Yeon. Once again, a killer artist in more than one sense.

Here he is, finding out everything he dedicated himself to in the last few years has been a lie. This is not strictly ship related but it's hot so here you go.

Point 8: Hurt/comfort is still better than anything

Theis speaks for themselves:

And when he is better, she comforts him:

Point 9: But cuteness personified is even better!

Point 10: And so are hugs!

Point 11: Even plot helps the shippy!

He finds out he is a cursed cursed prince and...of course...seeks Yeon.

And she worries about his bloody hands.

And he asks her to go away with him and she says yes!

Point 12: Rescuing a woman from death is like foreplay

Case in point:

To be continued in part 3:

(99+) Musings of the Obsessive Kind on Tumblr

#kdrama #the kingdom of the winds #song il gook #choi jung won

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hoaqins-funk-house · 4 years

Text

Hoaqin

Yandere

Part 2

"Y/N, stand up."

"Why?" You ask, still laying down.

"There are people approaching. I believe they're here to awaken me."

You hum, lazily pushing yourself to your feet.

Being, well, the size of an adult, you towered over the half-pint next to you. You place a hand on his head, next to his crown, hearing him click his tongue. "You'll stop treating me like a child soon enough."

"As long as you look like one, my view won't change."

"If I'm getting out of here, it won't be very long until I look like I did previously." He smirks, taking a seat in the chair that you had been ignoring for the better part of five or six hundred years.

"Shouldn't you turn the chair around? The back is facing the door." You say, him sighing.

"Don't you know how to be dramatic?"

"Maybe I would've cared about such a thing before I was sealed." You yawn, leaning on the chair and facing the door as it slowly opens, revealing a dirty blonde man with freckles. His eyes widen when he sees you, but he quickly rids his face of any shock as Hoaqin looks over his shoulder, staring him down with red-rimmed eyes.

"You're finally here. It's been a while, Daniel."

"Hurry on out here, we don't have much time." The blue-eyed man, Daniel, says, staring at you suspiciously.

Hoaqin stands, walking around his chair before pausing as he spots the lady in red. "A guide, huh? Filthy. You brought someone with tainted blood here with you? How revolting. Still, I suppose you are pretty useful."

Her fist clenches. "You-"

"Quiet. Even if you are knowledgeable, you shouldn't speak your majesty's name so casually. My name is Hoaqin." He introduces, beginning to walk forward as his outfit's trail follows close after.

You, yawning, stretch your arms above your shoulders and begin to follow after, catching up to his side quickly.

"My aim is for my throne. And I will get there with FUG assistance. Soon, the entire tower will know my name." As he fully exits along with you, he notices everyone's expression. "Why is everyone looking at me like that?"

"You look like a kid, Hoaqin. Why wouldn't they." You answer flatly.

He huffs, lips twitching down in irritation. "I could guess that, Y/N."

"Then why ask?"

"You-" He sighs. "Fine. You, with the brown hair." Her head perks up. "Can you really not feel it? My power? Even if I look like a weak kid."

Your eyes drift over to her, still half-lidded. She clams up, your gaze moving once more as the hooded man beside her begins to speak.

"Not true, Sir Hoaqin. I am Sir Yamah's Loyal Dog, Buelsar Elliot, and I can easily sense your great power is still within you."

Hoaqin's head tilts back as you look around, unfazed. He was a Slayer, as far as you're aware.

"Hmm... A Dog of Slayer Bayroad Yamah?"

"Yes. Please, use my power."

One of your eyebrows raises as you look over the group that had been gathered for the boy at your side.

Daniel continues eyeing you strangely, you meeting his gaze.

"Hoaqin... Who's this?" He asks, eyes narrowing.

"I'm Y/N. I was sealed in the room he was contained in, and I woke up as he was sealed." Casually, you raise a hand in greeting. "I've been with this brat for 600 or so years."

Hoaqin huffs, arms crossing. "I'm not a brat, I'll show you soon enough."

"Sure. Until then, you'll still be a brat to me."

Daniel continues staring, now confused. You, an unknown Regular, seemed so close with that monster. You were seemingly uncaring, not emoting, well, at all.

And Hoaqin...

Hoaqin made absolutely sure to never create bonds that couldn't be broken at a moment's notice, but it seems you're the exception.

His brows furrow as Hoaqin walks past him, you stretching once more as you stay in your previous spot.

"Oh, I need to ask; who are they?" Hoaqin inquires, pointing his sword at the two women in the back. Your eyes move between them, stopping on the one with freckles. Your eyes narrow slightly.

You didn't trust her smile.

"Ah, hello Sir Hoaqin. I'm Rachel, and this is Yura Ha. We're here to aid you."

"And how will you do such a thing?"

"With this."

You watch as she holds up a strange device, its screen colored purple with a cartoonish face in the center. Hoaqin gets handed it, observing it.

"What is it?"

Rachel smiles.

As she begins to explain what 'Emily' is, your eyes drift to the door behind her. It had been quite a while since you had seen the train. And… were there people back there? There was some chatter from behind the door.

No one else seemed to notice it.

Walking around the rest of the group, you approach the door. Hoaqin's gaze drifts to you as he hands back the phone.

"Is something the matter?" He asks.

You tilt your head as you observe the door, staying silent. Humming, you watch passively as the large doors open, revealing two people's shocked faces as they gaped at you.

"Hoaqin?!" They yelp, you sighing.

"No. Who are you?"

Your group faces you, the sword-wielder moving over to you to see the two who were there.

"Are you here to greet me?"

"I highly doubt that. Just look at their faces." You say, Hoaqin nodding.

"Yes, I suppose you're correct."

The red-haired guide lurches forward, shouting. "Wangnan, use a bomb!"

"Alright! Flamethrower, support me!"

The golden colored man grabs a two toned ball from his inventory, and as he goes to throw it, his arm gets impaled by Hoaqin's blade.

The red guide starts to run up to the injured man, but stops as Hoaqin begins to speak. "If you wish for your friend's hand to stay attached to his arm, I'd suggest staying right there."

"Even if his hand stays attached, I don't think he'll be able to use it." You yawn, shrugging. "Which sucks, but hey. It's better than dying I suppose."

The fire lady stares at you incredulously.

"It's been a while since I've sliced meat, thank you for the reintroduction. Still-" Hoaqin pauses, ripping his blade from Goldy's arm and laying it next to his neck, still stained a dirty crimson as the blood dripped off. The man grunted, barely holding back a scream. "Tell me. Who are you? Are you and that guide on a team?"

He pauses, a smirk growing on his lips. "Now that I've looked a bit closer… you seem tasty."

The sword scrapes against the man’s neck. “Speak, Yellow Monkey. What is your little group after?”

The injured man grits his teeth, unable to properly form words as his arm bleeds freely.

“Hoaqin. He can’t speak.” You inform. “Having your hand half cut off is pretty painful.”

The golden-haired man looks over to you, your expression remaining blank.

“Seriously? He can’t talk because of pain? How pitiful.” Hoaqin scoffs.

“He’s a normal Regular. And a regular person. Being injured that badly isn’t very pleasant.”

“What, are you sympathizing with him?”

“A little. I’m not a fan of forcing people to endure torture before dying.”

Hoaqin huffs, pouting.

“Hoaqin, we don’t have the time to mess around with them.” Daniel says. “Besides, they’re the friends of Jue Viole Grace, the new Slayer Nominee. They will be useful to keep around.”

Hoaqin turns on his heel at Daniel’s words, you still facing the two intruders.

“You’re Wangnan, right?” You ask, the woman rushing to his side as he grips his arm, looking up at you with sweat dripping off of his face. She also looks up at you, unnerved by how calm you were. He nods. Kneeling down, the woman gets defensive, and you just stare into his eyes, then focusing on the fire user. “And your name?”

“Y-yeon Yihwa.”

Abruptly, you stand, looking down on the two. “You’re strong. Both of you.”

“Who are you?!” Yihwa cries out, you sighing.

“No need to shout, I’m right here. I’m Y/N. I’m a Wave Controller, and I was sealed in the same room as Hoaqin.” You drawl. “I was sealed a while before him, though.”

“Y/N.” Looking over your shoulder, you see Rachel walking over.

“What is it.”

“Could you bind them? They’re valuable hostages.”

You shrug. “Got any rope? Oh, and bandages.”

She nods, handing over the materials and watching as you tie Yihwa before turning away.

Sitting down in front of Wangnan, you prepare the bandages, grabbing the top of his forearm and pulling it towards you. “This’ll have to do for now. Don’t squirm too much.” You begin wrapping the gash, him wincing and sucking air through his teeth as you do so, finishing soon after.

You then turn him around, tying him up.

The two hostages leaned against each other as you stood once more, briefly looking down at them before turning and walking to a wall, where you leaned against it, eyes closing.

They stare at you, confused about your intentions. You carefully wrapped Wangnan’s arm, and complimented them, but you also tied them up. They both jump as Hoaqin walks over, a frown on his face. He also crouches down, looking at both of them, before standing once more, sword over his shoulder. He huffs. “I don’t get it. Why did Y/N treat you like that? You’re both weak.”

His eyes narrow at them. “Still, they’re mine. Don’t forget.”

Turning, he walks up to you, the two on the ground watching as you open your eyes when he approaches, beginning to have a conversation with you.

They glance at each other.

“Y/N. You say you’re a Wave Controller, right?” Rachel begins, you glancing over. "How many Baangs can you create?"

You look away, eyes tracing the many details of the room, emptied by Hoaqin's impatience. "I never really focused on the offensive, so I only have four.”

"Four is still impressive." She compliments, smiling that untrustworthy smile of hers. "Baam can make five."

Your head tilts. "Like the explosive? Interesting name, I suppose."

She giggles. "No, it's spelled differently. Still, you'd probably know him better as Jue Viole Grace."

"Oh, him. Having five Baangs is rather admirable.” You yawn. This was the longest you’ve gone without sleeping in many, many years.

“You said that you never focused on offense much, right?” She asks, you humming in affirmation. “So the shinsu you use is mainly defensive?”

You nod. “It’s been a while since anything was able to pierce it. I have no clue as to my durability at this point, but I’ve worked on enhancing my Shinsu from the moment I entered this tower and the entire way through my sealings.”

“Wow, I bet you’re really tough.” She says, you mindlessly nodding.

The large doors in front of your group attract your eyes, staring with a raised eyebrow. As it opens, you casually walk in, ignoring the group and Hoaqin telling you to stop. You stare up at the large fish, its scales a glittering obsidian.

“This is the boss for Level 36?” You ask, the beast roaring. “What were they called again?” You wonder, continuing to stroll in, uncaring as both Hoaqin and the fish charged forward. “Deep-Sea King? No, that was from a manga…” You hum, thinking, suddenly snapping.

Hoaqin’s eyes widen as the fish coils around, blocking you from view as it consumes you.

His brows furrow, red hot anger coursing through his veins as he rushes forward, bringing his sword up. He hesitates, however, as he notices the creature’s body halt, quivering.

“These things are called Deep-Sea Fish.” You call out. “Right?”

Hoaqin, jumping onto the fish’s back, sees your hand, holding back its face from eating you whole. “Well, whatever it is, it can’t get through my defenses.”

Quickly, he swings his sword, effortlessly slashing through the beast’s thick scales, killing it near instantly. Jumping down to where you were, he sees you looking at the many slices that permeated its hide. “Hoaqin, that was-”

He cuts you off by whipping his blade to barely touch your neck, your eyes widening for less than a moment. Sighing, he moves it away, walking over to you before staring up at you, a snarl on his face. “Never do that again. If you had died, who knows what I would have done. Right now, I will be your reason for climbing the tower, and I refuse to climb further without you. Know that, and don't forget it.”

“I won’t, don’t worry.” You breathily answer, a sigh woven into your words.

“Good. You’re still mine.”

“You’re still on that…? Well, whatever floats your boat I guess.”

“You’re still underestimating me?! I killed that huge Deep-Sea Fish in one slice!”

“Hey, when did I say that? Besides, with how many pieces it's in, it looks like it took more than one slice.”

“It’s an Arie family specialty! It was only one slice, I promise you.”

“Okay. Whatever you say.”

“You’re still not taking me seriously!”

Laying on the futon, you see Daniel standing and Hoaqin sprawled out on his own.

“Man, I’m so hungry…” Hoaqin complains. “I’m craving souls, and also the death of that new Slayer Nominee.” He pauses, glancing over to your lazy form before shifting his sight to Daniel. “Hey, Viole will still chase us if I eat the hostages, right? It’s a win-win situation.”

“Stop the whining. We’ll be getting to the station soon, and you can eat as much as you want. Just be patient.” Daniel promises, Hoaqin huffing.

As Hoaqin begins to speak again, you let your eyes close, finally sleeping again.

It took him a little while to notice the fact that you were sleeping, him only realizing after Daniel had laid down and began resting up.

He sits up, moving to the end of his futon. Daniel glances over, seeing him brush your hair out of your face with a rather tranquil expression, his lips slightly upturned. His eyes held a familiar emotion, one that was close to the one he had seen with Roen…

But not quite the same. He seemed a bit more possessive, if how he threatened Wangnan and Yihwa meant anything.

"Say, Hoaqin…" Daniel starts, Hoaqin's expression falling as he looks over. "What's your relationship with them?"

"They're mine. Right now, they don't take me very seriously, but when I become complete again, I'll show them how serious I am." He pauses, looking back at you for a moment. "Do you have any devices I can use to track?" He asks.

Alright. He was more than a bit possessive.

Daniel nods. "You can get one from Rachel. We can track it using Emily."

"I can do that later."

“Attention, all regulars aboard the train.” The loudspeaker began, you awakening to its voice. “We will be arriving at the Wooden Horse Station on the 37th Floor shortly.”

It repeated its message, you sitting up and paying no heed to how close Hoaqin was. “Is it time to move again?” You ask, flexing your back and rolling your shoulders. Your question gets answered as Hoaqin stands, picking up his sword.

“Finally…” A smirk grows on his lips. “I can eat as much as I want.”

You stand up as well, grabbing the pillow as Daniel follows suit, minus the pillow.

As Daniel eyes you weirdly, you sigh, dropping the cushion and walking out behind the silver-haired Arie. He takes up the back the entire walk to the exit, even as you move to Hoaqin’s side.

“Finally! Let’s get out of here and feast!” Hoaqin celebrates, his fun ruined by the man behind him.

“Not yet. Let’s wait for a bit longer, there’s no good in causing a fuss this early.”

Hoaqin chuckles. “No. Why would I, when all that’s filling my ears are the sounds of fresh prey awaiting me?”

You yawn. “I’ve been listening to him complain for the past 600 years about how hungry he is. I’d rather not have to go through that again.”

“I’ll eat you.” Hoaqin threatens, you shrugging.

“If I actually believed you would, maybe I’d be scared.”

Hoaqin huffs, turning from you to the doors and striding forward. They begin to open, and you slip out right behind Hoaqin, managing to get past him before Daniel grabs him.

“Fresh air…” You mumble, hearing the squabbling behind you come to a stop. “I wonder how far it goes down.” You peer over the edge, staring down into the clouds.

“You better not try and check.” Hoaqin warns, abruptly getting yanked back into the train.

“Huh…” You say, stretching your arms above your head. “There sure are a lot of people here.”

The crowd was on guard, even more so as the doors reopened, Hoaqin stepping out again. “Y/N, take this.” He says, handing you a small device. You pocket it, and as he walks forward, his revival group joining you on the first platform.

“Hello, you cute little D-class.” He greets, continuing down the steps. “Oh my, some of you look so tasty…”

He laughs. “Still, I’m glad to see how many of you have showed up. You are all blessed, since you’re going to be my first meal. Now, let’s start this event, shall we?”

His lips turn up as he holds out his hand, thumb folded inward. “In order to get on this train, you will need to cut off four heads.”

The D-class begin to shout as you yawn once more, turning. “You have fun with that, I’ll be inside.”

Hoaqin glances back, brows slightly furrowed. You were avoiding the slaughter, huh?

Man, this wouldn’t be half as entertaining without you…

He would just have to enjoy what he could.

As the Regulars on the platform continue to shout, he lifts his sword, slashing through a group of them and stealing their souls.

“If need be, I will make you obey.”

You enter the room that you were in previously, flopping down with your face buried in your pillow.

You only lift your head as the lights flicker, small bolts of electricity traveling through the train’s metal sheeting. “Someone can use electricity…?” Standing up, you sigh. You wanted to sleep some more.

“Eventually I’ll have to go back to how it used to be…” You mumble, exiting the room. Before getting sealed, you worked tirelessly, climbing and training, day and night. Sleep was foreign to your overworked body, so it was a welcome break when you were trapped in a coma for half a millennia and then got to sleep so much for the other half.

Walking down the hall, you see a head of short white hair a bit further up. “Hey, who’re you?” You call, the boy turning. “You look a lot like Hoaqin.”

“So, you know another me. Could you lead me to him?”

“Sure. Just follow me.”

As you begin to walk with the other Hoaqin, he looks up at you. “Are you one of his henchmen?”

“Not really. We got stuck in the same room for 600 years… Oh. looks like they’ve escaped. Wangnan, Yihwa!”

The two turn to face you, not expecting to hear your voice, especially raised. With wide eyes, they notice the boy at your side.

“Hoaqin?!” Wangnan yelps, you approaching before stopping due to the knife pointed at your throat.

“I’m not gonna turn you in or whatever. Also yeah, this is Hoaqin, but not the one you knew.”

Hesitantly, the Heavenly Mirror is lowered from your neck.

“As they said, I am Hoaqin. Now, let’s head for where the other me is. I’d guess he’s looking for me as well.”

You nod, looking at the two behind you from over your shoulder.

“You coming?”

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