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absolutebl · 1 year

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10 Great Slow Burn BLs

I was asked about great chemistry, slow burn, with lots of pining and yearning, and an HEA (of course). For slow burn there will be less high heat due to the style of narrative, so I am going with actor chemistry, as well as emotional and mental resonance, not necessarily physical chemistry. (Something like Bed Friends could be argued is high heat slow burn... which would be what? A rolling boil?)

Honestly, slow burn is pretty relative, so I'm going with romance pacing puts the kiss and togetherness at the back 1/3 (if not the very last episode). Rather than at the "normal" 2/3.

1. Light On Me (Korea 2021 Viki)

Korea does an elegant pastiche of traditional live action yaoi but all filming is cleverly deployed to bolster one of the most riveting love triangles ever put on screen… and I don’t like love triangles. The high school angst is strong with this one and it's certainly slow burn and there is some EPIC yearning drawn out over a longer than usual KBL. Full review.

2. My School President (Thai 2023 YouTube)

GMMTV gave us a classic high school set Thai BL with tropes like messy boys singing their feelings that made this one Love Sick for the modern age with all the gentle sweetness and pining ache, but none of the dated damaging tropes or issues. Yes, we’ve seen it all before, but I still ADORE this. And there is a lot to be said for the classics being executed perfectly. Who let my BL be this wholesome and funny? Possibly too slow burn for some, we wait many eps for that pay out, and Tin's pining is NOT quiet, but it defined dorky and earnest.

3. Old Fashion Cupcake (Japan 2022 Viki)

It's hard to call such a short show slow burn, but it is. There are many episodes spent watching Togawa just HUNGER for Nozue and try to court him by feeding. This is about a younger man with a long cherished crush on his boss (ten years older and going through a mid life crisis) who decides to save and seduce said boss with pancakes. It’s wholesome, comforting, sexy, and a very necessary narrative about still having hope, interests, and openness to affection at any age. It’s a stunningly filmed late-in-life coming of age/queerness story packaged in a subtle critique of expectations around masculinity, love, and loneliness… and it’s beautiful. Full review.

4. My Ride (Thai 2022 Gaga)

Thai BL grew up with this pulp (the first ever to make my end of year top 10). It’s a truly lovely and special little show featuring the extremely rare pairing of sunshine/sunshine (AKA a cinnamon roll couple) plus mature explorations of relationships using one of the softest, sweetest and most innocent friends to lovers vehicles. Kindly, overworked doctor meets broken-hearted motorcycle taxi driver in an “other side of the tracks” slow burn romance. Even though we see them meet, we also see one of them fall in love, step back, and PINE for olympic gold. With honest queer rep that adds to, but doesn’t impede, the story, and genuine conversation about the nature of class, wealth, and classism, not to mention communication, honesty, and respect for boundaries, you can’t go wrong with this show. Full review.

5. Cherry Magic (Japan 2020 fan sub)

AKA 30 Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard AKA 30-sai made Dotei Da to Mahotsukai ni Nareru rashii AKA Cheri Maho

The sweetest fluffiest magical realism BL, packaged as a pinning office romance, very low heat (practically chaste) but the cutest. It’s truly great. Don't expect kisses tho.

6. Wish You: Your Melody in My Heart (Korea 2020 Viki)

Set in the music industry featuring a talented singer and the pianist who falls in love with him (and his music), subtle and achingly adorable. High production, low heat, short run, very tame, and Korea, so all the pretty. Slow burn and lots of pining.

7. About Youth (Taiwan 2022 Gaga)

A truly lovely little coming of age high school BL with a classic YA low drama but high angst and an earnest depth. I didn’t even mind the singing, and that’s saying a lot. A weak seme/uke dynamic but tons of BL tropes (both rare in a high school setting but common for Taiwan) makes this one feel both sweet and colored by an almost real world authenticity and grit. Full review here.

8. The Tasty Florida (Korea 2021 Viki)

Another one where it's hard to describe as slow burn because it's so short, but there is certainly that feel and it's def got the pining. Not really a love triangle featuring the prettiest men ever to be grouped together outside of K-pop, honestly the visuals are ridiculous, there’s a story, it has to do with food, whatever, they so pretty.

9. See You After Quarantine? (Taiwan 2021 Viki)

This under appreciated gem is Taiwan’s answer to Gameboys and is just as charming and adorable yet still as quintessentially Taiwanese as one might hope. It features a Japanese love interest and the cutest most confused disaster gay. Slow burn because the two have almost no actual screen time together and yet manage some truly amazing chemistry. How does Taiwan do it?

10. Restart After Come Back Home (Japan 2020 Gaga)

AKA Risutato wa tadaima no ato de

Atmospheric study in rural Japan meets complex family dynamics built on a romance framework of city boy meets country boy, grumpy/sunshine. It’s beautiful and icy sweet. Slow moving in places but ultimately worth the patience, low heat, low angst, and stunning. Full review here.

Others?

A Tale of a Thousand Stars

Step By Step

Our Dining Table

Where Your Eyes Linger

Choco Milk Shake

Love Class

DNA Says Love You

My Only 12%

Dear Doctor I’m Coming for Soul

2nd part of the question:

Who does it best? Shows, actors, countries?

COUNTRIES

I have said it before and I will say it again, no one does thirst like Japan. I think however, Korea is also very good at pining and yearning. So for "countries" those would be my top picks. But most BL producers have some examples, it's just that Thailand, Taiwan, and the Philippines tend to pay out the yearning more quickly (see something like 2 Moons Ambassador for an example of this kind of pacing).

Japan and Korea will make you wait for it. For Thailand you usually have to rely on the high school stuff. 21 Days Theory and Love Sick are both also slow burn.

ACTORS (characters)

I do have a post about great piners, several in fact.

(from @crowie ask)

These top 10 picks are based on my personal definition of slow burn and pining, yours may differ.

Post updated June 2023 and only contains BL that has completed its run. Not responsible for epic pining or fab slow burn BL that comes after that date.

Please feel free to comment or repost with additions! Share the love... slow though it may be.

(source)

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traumainpyjamas · 6 months

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WINWIN, KUN & XIAOJUN \\ WayV 威神V 'Poppin' Love (心动预告)' Track Video

#WayV #kun #winwin #xiaojun #wayv poppin love #wayv 2nd album 'on my youth'#i have been listening this song continuously after it dropped #i'm not kidding #i'm just addicted to the melody okay?...and maybe something else...#the angelic vocals and eveRyThiNG #i can't wait for the title track and the rest of the album!!#i feel like this song is following in the footsteps of 'action figure'. there is something similar #nct #gifs

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daisyachain · 2 months

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Dream X Team

#I am on the clock (:#kelsey liveblogs hxh #senritsu #I just think melody is neat as a tortured hero trying to clean up after her youthful mistakes led to tragedy #kuritsu #I sometimes wonder if she’s the one who taught the guy in the first place. who knows

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bengiyo · 2 years

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BL Round-Up #5

So @negrowhat tagged me in a current watchlist and I realized I haven’t done one of these since I started a new job. We have a lot to catch up on! We’ll clear out what I’ve completed first.

Recently Finished

I apologize in advance. I have completed a great many shows.

Minato Shouji Coin Laundry aka Minato’s Laundromat (GagaOOlala) 10 - I absolutely loved this show, and am currently showing it to my BL watch partner on our Tuesday/Thursday watch sessions. This show utilized its entire cast so well to explore the nature of age-gap romance, being gay and cowardly, and the nature of youth desire. Absolutely phenomenal, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Gameboys 2 (GagaOOlala via VPN) 10 - Gameboys 2 knew exactly what it wanted to be and completely delivered. I enjoyed this so much more than the movie, and was glad that the Terrence and Wesley dynamic was given more breathing room. Pearl and Achilles fit well into the drama this time, and I even enjoyed the way we got to see more of Gav’s family this time around. The IdeaFirst Company continues to make absolutely incredible queer content. It’s just a shame that so much of it ends up behind difficult paywalls for international viewers.

21 Days Theory (Rookie Thailand YouTube) 9.5 - This show shot up in my rankings for this year because of the way the adults played out their insecurities and supported the youngsters in this drama. This show is so good that it actually made me root for a straight couple. I am 100% here for shorter Thai BLs that use all of their couples well, rather than the bloated mess so many of the pulps tend to be.

Triage (Grey) 9.5 - This was everything I hoped to get out of a time loop show. Continue to love with the Manner of Death team has been up to and can’t wait to see more of their work. This isn’t exactly the normal fare for BL, but it’s the kind of gay characterization I enjoy.

About Youth (Gaga or Viki) 9 - I don’t think this show had enough time to explore all of its ideas, but this show is a valuable addition to the Summer ‘22 High School BL Extravaganza. The cast is just so beautiful, and the boys from Taiwan continue to give earnest performances that I find incredibly endearing. Fuck Ye Guang’s parents, though.

Great Men Academy (Grey) 9 - I didn’t intend to watch this, but @flukenatouch convinced me and it ended up being a lot better than I expected. It’s not BL at all really, but holy hell was I absolutely obsessed with James Teeradon by the end of this show. Also I got to enjoy Captain’s gorgeous eyes again! This show involved a lot of gender swapping, but I enjoyed the show’s kind exploration of masculinity and what it means to admire someone.

Papa & Daddy Season 2 (Gaga) 8.5 - Papa & Daddy 2 has all of the same struggles as the first season, but I genuinely love it for what it’s trying to be. I think, in so many ways, this show encapsulates the strange experience many queer people have of growing into parents and starting families when it was something we never thought we would do. I think straight people naturally consider what kind of parents they might be because procreation is a likely outcome to their desires for intimacy, but it’s not something queer people really have a lot of guidelines for. I liked the challenges and themes of this season, even if I find myself consistently frustrated with filial piety.

Senpai, This Can’t Be Love! (Gaga or Viki) 6 - Very disappointing finish. I felt the lack of communication to be overly juvenile, so I can’t walk away from this show envisioning them as a functional couple at all.

Love Mechanics (WeTV) 6 - There are some things I liked here, but Mark and Vee are not my thing, and I found much of this to be rather tedious.

Coffee Melody (Viki) 5.5 - Boring, and frustrating. Not a good show. Don’t waste your time.

Currently Watching

This is still a lot, but I’m finally under 10 shows.

Takara-kun & Amagi-kun (Gaga or Viki) 10 - Episode 5/8. I cannot overstate how much I’m enjoying the way this show is exploring first desire and relationships with Takara and Amagi. It is the show I most look forward to each week.

180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us (Gaga) 9.5 - Episode 7/8. This is not BL. It is a story about a young, angry gay man; his overbearing, narcissistic mother; and his father’s best friend and missed love. It is exploring the ways different generations have reacted to queerness, and I cannot stop thinking about it. It is essentially a play adapted to screen, and everyone involved is giving some of the best performances I’ve ever seen out of Thailand. It is no surprise that Pond Ponlawit is a Nadao alum, because I haven’t been this gripped by a Thai performer since ITSAY/IPYTM and Great Men Academy.

I know many folks will never watch this because it isn’t the kind of fun fare that Thai BL often offers, but this is the kind of play that someone sees on a whim that alters the way they see themselves and the world.

The Eclipse (YouTube) 9 - Episode 7/12. I’m really enjoying how complete this show feels. Each moment feels intentional and like it’s contributing towards the end goals. I enjoy it when BL knows what it wants to say, and I’m enjoying the unsubtle politics of this show. Also, Khaotung and First are such a great pair. Neo is finally in a role that he can really shine, and he’s working with Louis in a way that finally lets me see why they’ve been paired.

Love in the Air (iQIYI) 8.5 - Episode 6/13 This show doesn’t really have a plot, but I honestly like it more for that. I personally love when BL is more character driven, and I’m enjoying watching this as a vanilla type and reading commentary from folks like @lutawolf. Though I still struggled with the early bits of this show, I like where it’s gone and can understand why they skipped what I think are incredibly necessary aspects of consent to show. I remain surprised that I have this many positive things to say about a MAME production.

My Only 12% (iQIYI) 8.5 - Episode 7/14 I think @absolutebl broke me when he said this show felt like a Thai take on a Big Eden (2000) prequel (iykyk). I also imploded over the inclusion of Love of Siam (2007) in the storytelling of this narrative. In so many ways this show feels like it’s screaming out the pain and frustration and loneliness we felt as queer in the early 00s trying to sort out the kind of people we wanted to be when we were young and struggling to find community. It was hard entering the community when all of your elders were still coping with so much grief, and there were just so few depictions of queer joy to turn to.

Earth and Santa are a good pair, but for once I’d like to see one of Earth’s characters be happy. I’d also like him to not play a naggy character in the future.

Once Again (Gaga or Viki) 8 - Episode 4/8 - I like the way the sci-fi elements feel in this show with the time travel implications. I know this is going to end sad, but I’m loving the texture of the sense of inevitability in this show.

Ai Long Nhai (iQIYI) 8 - Episode 1/12. It’s fine so far. I like the gay dads. I like the friend dynamic. Subs are only okay. This show might end up being forgettable, but I hope it’s fun.

Vice Versa (YouTube) 7 - Episode 11/12. I haven’t been enjoying this for a while. I have just had to accept that I am not a Jittirain fan, and the way she tells stories just doesn’t work for me. I find myself completely frustrated with and by Puen, and I feel constantly bad for Talay. Otherwise, Jimmy and Sea are a pretty pair. I hope all the constant ads are generating enough revenue to pay for the rest of the BLs on GMMTV.

War of Y (Gaga) 7 - Episode 8/20. I continued this because it moved to Gaga, but I constantly suffer from a dissonance with this show. It wants to explore the dark side of BL by making so many recognized BL pairs and supporting cast play out scenarios that are incredibly uncomfortable. It’s a weird experience to watch a BL that seems to want us to not watch BL anymore.

Not BL

Midnight Diner (Netflix) 10 - This has become my wind down watch before bed. I find this kind of light drama incredibly relaxing. I also love Japanese filming styles that rely on long takes. I like letting the actors act. I don’t want to feel the editing constantly when I’m watching something. I notice it when I come back to Thai productions and it’s constantly cutting and changing the angle of the shot, or refusing to put actors in the same frame for more than one line delivery.

Is It Wrong To Try to Pick Up Girls In a Dungeon? IV (HiDive) 9 - We all have shows we make exceptions for. I make mine here because I enjoy adventuring party shows. This season has been a really good adaptation, and I continue to love all of the character dynamics.

Do Revenge (Netflix) 9 - As a long-time fan of Throw Momma From The Train (1987), I do love a good Strangers on the Train story. This one was excellent, and used its lesbian characters well. Everyone turns in fun and memorable performances, especially Camila Mendes, Maya Hawke, and Sophie Turner.

9-1-1 (Fox, HULU) 8 - I’m an American and do love a first responder procedural.

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b5ksrockhaus · 2 months

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Melody Maker, September 9th 1995

#sonic youth #melody maker #velvet underground #sterling morrison

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forkaround · 1 year

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Another thing I love about BL is they don’t make a big deal out of being queer. I mean in a western show if someone was queer they are going to be styled and act in a very specific way but with BL you have them in tshirt and jeans. Sometimes with holes in them. Idk somehow even the more slice of life western shows feel larger than life. Maybe it’s cultural differences or something…

#kinnporsche #love in the air #the eclipse #ai long nhai #it’s honestly about the honesty #between us #until we meet again #gap the series #triage #coffee melody #vice versa #love mechanics #old fashion cupcake #my only 12%#180 degrees #about youth

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gabrielokun · 1 year

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⭐ getting to know your BL mutuals

Tagged by @pharawee Thank you ૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა Sorry it took me a while

rules: answer the questions and @ some people. include the tag ‘g2ky BL mutuals 2022’ on your post so we can find everyone’s answer.

⭐ what have been the BLs that took you by surprise this year?

Secret Crush on You

And what a surprise it was. Not gonna lie I almost drop it after 1 ep ( •̯́ ₃ •̯̀) But I wanted to support Saint so I continue. And Im so happy I did cause this silly little show gave me all of the serotonin I needed ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و ♡ One of the best friends group ever, truly important topics, love and support. This show is so endearing. The only minus is - not enough Daisy (and Touch)

Meow Ears Up

look (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ idk what to say. I just get in without any expectation and its turns out to be so cute and warm and a bit sad and just so much more than I thought it's gonna be

Choco Milk Shake

emmm i guess Im in my furry era ( •̯́ ₃ •̯̀) but i really didn't think that dating reincarnation of your dead dog could be so adorable. this show is amazing and i just a little bit salty for not getting ot3 again

On Cloud Nine

It was so confusing but intriguing. Such an interesting story. Also so so beautiful

My Ride

Look even tho they were a couple just for five minutes at the end of the last episode this was a good ride ૮₍ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ₎ა Im a simple girl and sometimes I need a simple show. And this one was perfect for me. It was right show right time

⭐what have been the BLs that you felt a bit disappointed with this year?

easy Coffee Melody

I was here for soft Pavel ૮₍ ˃ ⤙ ˂ ₎ა

and in theory coffee shop setting, queer band, sassy gay baby - the elements are all there but it's just didn't work out.

i still gonna watch special tho cause i miss my pinky and sassy boy

Physical Therapy

i was skipping it all. it was soooo boring

they look cute in gifs, but its truly not a good show

⭐what has been your favorite BL this year?

My Only 12%

I love love love this show. ✧˖°. Best friends to lovers slow burn :✧｡ Simple but good story, amazing acting, great setting. Coo knows how to cry for sure and I cant stop praising Ta. He is truly talented kid. His Cake was so lively *_* His emotions was always clear and so natural - amazing job! This show is just wonderful

⭐favorite BL couples (not just of 2022)?

let's stick to 22 (⊙ _ ⊙ )

Ah Jian x Ray (About Youth)/I need more of them

NuerSyn (Cutie Pie)/they are just precious

CakeEiw (My Only 12%)/ simply perfection

VegasPete (KinnPorsche) /I was on defense with this one couldn't choose between them and KimChay but Vegas is way more pathetic so he won

SkyJao (Secret Crush On You)/ Sky still is the best boyfriend

KanThua (The Eclipse)

SeanWhite (Not Me)/ yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm basic

⭐what’s your non-BL favorite this year?

Ghost Doctor

if you can ignore their overly loud nohomo screams at the end of the show with those agressive hets stories (¬_¬) ep15 (No matter how many rings she puts on a man in a coma, MinTak is superior) this show was amazing

Weak Hero Class 1

This show is incredible!!! I have no words to describe it. So good but extremely heavy.

not tagging cause i'm sure everyone who wanted to do this already posted their ( i am slow sorry ૮(˶˃ᆺ˂˶)ა ) but if by chance somebody wants to participate you are always welcome

{\__/} (̷ ̷´̷ ̷^̷ ̷`̷)̷◞♡ | ⫘ |

#g2ky BL mutuals 2022 #Secret Crush on You #Meow Ears Up #Choco Milk Shake #On Cloud Nine #My Ride #Coffee Melody #Physical Therapy #My Only 12 percent #About Youth #Cutie Pie The Series #KinnPorsche #The Eclipse #Not Me #Ghost Doctor #Weak Hero Class 1 #mine edit

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victoriarampante · 2 years

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37 BL Series this September 2022.

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noxtivagus · 1 year

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i should talk about my ocs sometime :>

#🌙.rambles #i love them a lot c:#i'm too shy to share bcs i project a lot but i also really do wna share sometime ><#KEEP IN MIND THOUGH.... the things i write r. me but like. the me i've been for years n years now ok :<#i'm particularly too shy to share abt like lune & artem but oh my god their dynamic is #influences from so many aspects of my youth 🥺 noctis ffxv in general & kh & claude von riegan &#hmmm yeah gbf & mythology n percy jackson too now that i think of it #sometimes when i have time i sit n think of how my charas wld look #they mostly have white hair....#if not white then black! if not either then grey! if not that too then #shades of blue then shades of purple #oh dear listening to ff music rn n the series has influenced me very very much #suteki da ne.... kiss me good-bye & melodies of life & opera maria and draco & eyes on me :<#even ffxiv wait like dragonsong & shadowbringers & tomorrow and tomorrow #yk that short story i wrote back in gr 9 for school was. inspired by my original idea for my short story #i still like thinking about it from time to time bcs that really was one of the base foundations i had #oh dear i remember searching for so many names T_T n words. i had so much latin words in my notes n #names meaning moon or uh angel n mythology related stuff ><#n i find it interesting how. in turn. that short story which serves as a foundation for right now yeah #it was influenced by noctis earlier in the year 🥹#oh dear we really can change so much in a year i forget that sometimes #but noctis!!!! god i really liked friends to lovers but like. there's always been this lil tension that duh it's smth more #but they both deny it 💀 why do i like charas that r like that. noctis is one obvious example since he was ^ after all but also claude imo #star-crossed. i always loved themes w night. secrecy. the sky. sometimes i look back at the old things i wrote n smile n laugh #cringe 😭 but i find it rather endearing looking back at my younger self who really just. dreamed with no end. i admire her #she'd be sad if she'll see how i'm subconsciously restraining myself in the present. so maybe just for her i'll #open my heart up again just to write. write like i used to n finish the stories i wrote then that i cldn't finish when i was sad 🥹#the things i'll do for the sake of my younger self n my future self uwahhhh #i don't want to let down my youth. i'll hold unto it forever. that won't ever change. & i'll do it for less regrets in the future.#i've always ever known n wanted the best for myself in a way but i can't be direct with it in the present but oh well in time <3

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shiningdesignersreflections · 18 days

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Chapter 3: Melody of Love

Narrated by the violin.

Narrator: Nolan was fourteen that year. Lilith brought him back with her to the palace, and presented him with a gift.

Choose either "Social status?" or "You?"

If "status," ...

Narrator: As the Queen's personal violinist, he achieved instant fame. But there was an even more precious gift.

If "violin," ...

Narrator: You are right. It was only right that a musician of his ability should have an instrument of the highest quality.

Narrator: An object made by the greatest craftsman in all of Ninir... in a word, me.

Narrator: The case was lined with black velvet and decorated with dark, gray feathers and bright gems in the form of the night sky.

Narrator: He really loved me. Every day he would clean my strings. But to my endless chagrin, he loved the case even more.

Narrator: He really treasured the case because the design reminded him so much of Lilith.

Narrator: Feathers and stars, like the ones Lilith was wearing on the day they first met.

Nolan: Why would a Queen wear a dress covered in feathers and rhinestones?

Narrator: The young man had asked himself as he stroked the feathers on his violin case.

Narrator: Someone had said that it might be because Queen Lilith is the greatest Starheaven Swan, a fact the boy had committed to memory.

Narrator: Do you know what the Starheaven Swan is?

Choose either "Beauty pageant in Ninir" or "Most beautiful person."

If "pageant," ...

You: A beauty pageant in Ninir.

Narrator: You know, every time I hear that word, I can't help sighing.

If "person," ...

You: The greatest beauty in Ninir.

Narrator: Exactly. None other than Lilith. No one can refuse her love.

Narrator: The boy often looked out of the window at the moonlight.

Narrator: He was thinking of Lilith, imagining a moonlit lake, his heart gentle as water.

Narrator: Fires of inspiration burned brightly in his chest. He wrote all night and day of his love and admiration for Lilith.

Narrator: He wrote song after song, spilling from his quill, until sheet music covered his floor like autumn leaves.

Narrator: He desperately wanted to perform them for her, but...

Narrator: Lilith always wanted him to play one tune, written by some unknown old musician.

Narrator: Despite his disappointment, as long as he could play for her, he would feel happy and content.

Narrator: She was his goddess, the source of all his inspiration.

Narrator: All he had to do was think of her, and beautiful music would flow from his fingertips.

Lilith: You love me, don't you?

Nolan: I will love you always, Your Majesty.

Narrator: His eyes are innocent and without deception.

Lilith: Always and forever?

Nolan: Always and forever.

Lilith: You'll never leave me?

Nolan: Never.

Lilith: Good boy.

Narrator: Every evening, violin music filled the halls of the sumptuous palace, like a beautiful dream from which there was no waking.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

#lilith #shining nikki #transcript #chapter 3 #ur designer #melody of love #violin #romantic #love #youth #obsession

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