𝜯𝜶𝒊𝒈𝜶’𝒔 𝜥𝒊𝝉𝝉𝝍

“Our precious doll!” Zenji’s dark voice rings out, reciting touching poems that praise your stunning beauty. Rui cries openly, blowing his nose into a tissue. Towa tilts his head and asks, “Is this what love stories are about, Haru?” while the latter weeps just as much as Rui and simply pats Towa’s back.

Ritsu stands before you under the arch, his turquoise eyes glittering in the sunlight, just like the ring resting in his palm. Your ring.

“Auburn.” For the first time since you’ve known him, there’s a tremble in his voice, a faint trace of insecurity. Right now, this isn’t the cocky paralegal you fell in love with during your first year at Darkwick. He’s simply a man about to promise the love of his life his eternal adoration. And Ritsu Shinjo has never broken a promise.

For a fleeting second, he simply stares, committing every last detail of you to memory, his breath hitching. Then he clears his throat. The whole world seems to fall silent. All you can hear is your heartbeat pounding in your ears.

“I hereby swear that I’ll love and protect you forever.” He places one hand over his chest in a knightly gesture, looking absolutely dazzling in his grey suit and black gloves. “Will you be my wife and my business partner until death do us part?”

You let out a little squeak, tears of joy blurring your vision. “Yes, I do! Yes, I do!”

Ritsu huffs, trying to release all the tension he didn’t know he’d been carrying until now. Still slightly trembling, he takes your hand and slides the delicate gold ring onto your finger.

The officiant’s voice echoes through the garden. “You may now kiss the bride.”

Honestly, you don’t expect Ritsu to make a big show out of the kiss that seals the deal. He isn’t the type for public displays of affection, and who would know that better than you?

But he surprises you, knocking the air out of your chest (and almost sending the beautiful bouquet of sunflowers flying from your hand) as he tugs you into a tight embrace, dips you back, and presses his lips to yours. Whistles and applause erupt from the audience. A celebratory gunshot rings through the air. Damn you, Taiga.

Your husband sighs and mumbles against your lips. “I told him multiple times that bringing a firearm to a public venue is a violation of the Firearm and Sword Possession Control Law.”

But you couldn’t care less, not when you’re in the arms of your beloved, your heart bursting with joy. The kiss is determined yet soft, the typical seriousness of Ritsu with a tinge of the genuine affection he has for you shining through. When he pulls away, you’re both blushing and smiling, your radiance almost making the sun envious. Laughter bubbles up in your chest as you wipe the last of your tears away.

Turning to everyone who witnessed the happiest moment of your life, you grin. “Let’s get the party started!”

And so, the chaos after the ceremony unfolds …

Gets completely wasted and challenges everyone to a dance-off: Luca

Is single-handedly responsible for half the buffet disappearing: Ren

Photobombs every group photo: Ed

Gives an unexpectedly heartfelt speech: Sho

Keeps trying to start increasingly ridiculous party games: Tohma

Loses his shoe: Mio

Ends up slow dancing with Taiga long after everyone has left the dance floor: Elias

Pretends not to care about catching the bouquet but absolutely cares: Rui

Somehow catches the bouquet without even trying: Jin

Falls asleep at his table with a glass of champagne in hand: Haku

Is caught trying to pet every stray cat nearby: Ritsu

Somehow disappears for an hour and returns as if nothing happened: Zenji

Tries to convince everyone he’s "perfectly sober": Shion

Ends up sitting on Alan’s lap for half the evening: Jiro

Gets caught making out behind the venue: Yuri and Subaru

Gives a surprisingly neat striptease performance: Romeo

Gives Towa puppy eyes until he agrees to dance: Haru

Gets banned from touching the confetti cannon: Kaito

Keeps stealing kisses from Lyca when he thinks no one is looking: Leo

Starts betting on who gets married next: Jo

⋆.𐙚 ̊ masterlist

⋆.𐙚 ̊ taglist: @lycasartist @helphelpbees @ane5e @wunyarose @jadesharp2006 @rosebell0 @ssusuhara @blackmoonlilith15 @raynidays @shawty-a-lil-baddie @neurodivergentfish

⋆.𐙚 ̊ wanna travel to the stars and join my taglist? comment or send me a message! <3

𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐄

Project Title: Project Anthesis: Anomaly Kyklos Isolation and Structural Pathogenesis Study Subject Designation: Subject Anthozoa-V (Colloquially referred to within internal logs as "The Blossom") Epidemiological Classification: Class-V Hyper-Ancient Parasitic Metamorphosis Anomaly Active Patient Ledger: 14 Confirmed Infestations (0 Recovered, 13 Terminated, 1 Missing in Field)

𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘: 𝟎𝟏-𝐀

Date: XX/XX/20XX Time: [REDACTED] Location: Private Sublevel Facility (Unauthorized Darkwick Operations)

If you are reading this document, there is a high probability that I am no longer alive. Whether that outcome was caused by the nature of this project, the actions of the Institute, or my own poor decisions remains uncertain. Regardless, I believe my findings deserve to survive even if I do not. This journal serves as both a research record and a personal account of Project [REDACTED], an independent investigation into an anomaly known as Kyklos.

Among all documented anomalies, Kyklos remains one of the most fascinating entities I have ever encountered. Official records classify it as an ancient high risk anomaly due to its unpredictable nature and the catastrophic effects it has on human hosts. Despite that classification, I find it difficult to view Kyklos as merely a threat. There is something strangely beautiful about it. Perhaps it is the contradiction of its existence. It resembles a thousand souls trapped within a single body.

Like many anomalies, Kyklos propagates itself through humans. However, unlike conventional parasitic entities, it does not fit neatly into any existing category. It is not a parasite, yet it behaves like one. It is not a chimera, yet it displays characteristics commonly associated with chimeric organisms. The true origin of the anomaly remains unknown, and its life cycle has never been properly documented. This is largely because successful containment of Kyklos specimens is extremely rare. Most of the individuals currently housed within our laboratory were never Kyklos themselves. They were victims of the anomaly's curse. Officially, they are patients. Unofficially, they are also our t̷e̷s̷t̷ s̷u̷b̷j̷e̷c̷t̷s̷.

One of the most frustrating aspects of Kyklos research is the complete absence of a predictable victim profile. Most anomalies exhibit recognizable patterns when selecting hosts. They may target individuals of a certain age group, physical condition, psychological state or geographic location. Kyklos demonstrates none of these tendencies. Over the course of our investigation, we have failed to identify a single meaningful connection between infected individuals. Every victim appears unrelated to the last, making predictive prevention nearly impossible.

My interest in Kyklos began years ago during my school days. While reading a biology textbook, I discovered a brief section dedicated to anomalous organisms. Most of the material was unremarkable, but the entry regarding Kyklos immediately captured my attention. What fascinated me most was not the information that was present, but the information that was missing. Nearly half of the designated pages were blank because no further research existed. The only confirmed recommendation was to avoid contact with the anomaly under all circumstances. Naturally, such a warning only made me more curious.

Although the Kyklos Curse appears to have little effect on me personally, I exercised considerable caution when assembling my research team. Contrary to popular belief, I do have limits, and I had no desire to be held legally responsible if something went wrong. Admittedly, the legality of this project is questionable from the outset. Darkwick Institute has devoted substantial resources toward preventing unauthorized observation, containment, and experimentation involving Kyklos. Official protocols require extensive approval, trained specialists, and Institute oversight. We ignored those requirements.

Many would describe this project as unethical. They are not entirely wrong. However, I find Darkwick's position equally difficult to justify. Their fear of the anomaly has resulted in years of stagnation, while victims continue to accumulate. I would rather attempt something dangerous and fail than stand aside and accomplish nothing. The individuals who chose to follow me understood those risks and remained loyal despite them.

Whenever Darkwick successfully identifies a new victim of the Kyklos Curse, the outcome is almost always the same. The patient is isolated, monitored briefly, and eventually euthanized before significant progression can occur. Institute officials argue that continued observation is both dangerous and inhumane. I disagree. If we refuse to study the disease, how can we ever hope to save future victims? How can we prevent further infections? Kyklos may be beautiful, but it is also cruel, and beauty alone is not enough reason to abandon scientific inquiry.

𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐂𝐃𝐒 (𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐞)

Following multiple years of observation, our team has identified five primary stages of infection. While the rate of progression varies slightly between individuals, the overall pattern remains relatively consistent across all documented Bloom Subjects.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐈: 𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦

The initial stage presents almost no visible symptoms. Subjects are capable of eating, drinking, sleeping, speaking, and performing daily activities without noticeable impairment. Standard medical examinations rarely reveal abnormalities, and most infected individuals remain completely unaware that they have been exposed.

For this reason, Stage I is considered the most dangerous period from an epidemiological perspective. The host appears healthy while the anomaly quietly establishes itself within the body. Based on current evidence, this stage may persist for months before progressing further.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐈: 𝐂𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞

The first noticeable symptoms begin to emerge during Stage II. Subjects commonly report recurring headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, sleep deprivation, and increasingly vivid nightmares.

At this stage, most patients assume they are suffering from stress related conditions or common illnesses. Physical examinations continue to reveal little evidence of infection, making early diagnosis exceptionally difficult. Despite the relatively mild symptoms, neurological activity becomes noticeably abnormal when compared to baseline measurements.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐈𝐈: 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Stage III marks a significant increase in symptom severity. The headaches and sleep disturbances observed during Stage II become considerably more frequent and intense. Hallucinations begin to occur regularly, with subjects reporting voices, figures, and environmental distortions that cannot be independently verified.

Many patients display signs of paranoia, emotional instability, and progressive cognitive deterioration. Several become convinced that they are being observed by unseen entities.

It is also during this stage that the first physical sign of infection becomes visible.

A floral shaped mark develops at the base of the neck and gradually spreads across the back. As the pattern expands, it resembles roots or vines growing beneath the skin. The appearance of this mark is considered confirmation that the mutation process has entered its advanced stages.

At this point, successful intervention becomes increasingly unlikely.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐕: 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

The fourth stage represents the point at which the anomaly achieves near total control over the host.

Subjects begin reporting persistent itching across the body, particularly around the neck, ears, shoulders, and upper spine. Skin irritation becomes widespread, often accompanied by discoloration around infected regions.

Current evidence suggests that Kyklos functions in a manner remarkably similar to plant life. Rather than immediately altering the host's physical body, it first establishes itself within the victim's consciousness before extending deeper into biological structures.

Simply put, it roots itself mentally before rooting itself physically.

The appearance of extensive itching and rashes appears to indicate that the anomaly has successfully consumed the majority of the host's psychological defenses. Recovery at this stage is exceptionally rare. Most researchers consider the patient effectively lost despite remaining biologically alive.

This conclusion remains one of the most difficult aspects of our work.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐕: 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦

Stage V represents complete mutation.

Small flower petals begin emerging across the subject's body before spreading rapidly over the skin. The distribution pattern varies between individuals, although concentrations are typically highest around the neck, chest, arms, and facial region.

Physiologically, the patient remains alive.

Functionally, however, they resemble a living corpse.

Most higher cognitive functions disappear, replaced by behaviors that remain poorly understood. Surprisingly, newly transformed subjects rarely demonstrate immediate aggression or active attempts to infect others.

Instead, they enter a temporary adaptation period that our team has designated the Blooming Interval.

During this phase, the newly formed Kyklos appears focused on adjusting to its host body rather than seeking new victims. This period may last several weeks before the anomaly becomes fully active.

At the time of writing, the biological purpose of this adaptation period remains unknown.

𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘: 𝟎𝟏-𝐁

Date: XX/XX/20XX Time: [REDACTED]

Approximately one week after abandoning hopes of recovering our advanced stage patients, we observed a phenomenon that fundamentally altered our understanding of the curse.

The incubation period of FCDS appears to average roughly one year. Following complete mutation, we initially believed the original host consciousness had been entirely erased. However, several Bloom Subjects unexpectedly regained the ability to communicate.

At first, we assumed this behavior represented another adaptation strategy. The anomaly mimicking human behavior would provide an effective method for attracting future victims.

We were wrong.

The voices speaking to us did not belong to Kyklos. They belonged to the patients.

Against all expectations, fragments of the original individual remained alive within the transformed body.

The message, however, remains consistent. Every single one of them asks for help.

At this point, I am no longer certain whether these individuals should be classified as living patients or post-mortem anomalies. Biologically, their bodies continue to function. Neurologically, traces of the original individual remain detectable. Yet their existence differs little from death. Their consciousness surfaces only long enough to recognize their condition before being submerged once more beneath whatever process Kyklos imposes upon them.

I have witnessed numerous containment failures, anomalous outbreaks, and experimental casualties throughout my career. Very few have disturbed me. Watching a Bloom Subject regain awareness for several minutes only to realize what they have become is among those few exceptions.

This discovery may explain why Darkwick prohibits independent research involving Kyklos. The condition is not merely dangerous. It is profoundly inhumane. Nevertheless, despite the ethical implications, our team agreed to continue the project. If these individuals were still alive, even partially, then abandoning the research would accomplish nothing except guaranteeing the same fate for future victims.

𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘: 𝟎𝟐-𝐀

Date: XX/XX/20XX Time: [REDACTED]

It has been nearly two years since my project officially began.

Today, I made the decision to suspend active research operations. The choice was not voluntary.

One of our Bloom Subjects escaped containment approximately three weeks ago. Despite extensive search efforts, we have been unable to relocate the individual. More concerning is the possibility that Darkwick may have detected evidence of an unregistered Kyklos operating outside official containment zones. Several contacts have reported increased Institute activity in nearby districts, suggesting they may already be investigating.

Until the situation stabilizes, continuing operations would place both myself and the remaining members of my team at unnecessary risk.

For the first time since initiating this project, I am forced to admit that caution may be the wiser option.

𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘: 𝟎𝟐-𝐁

Date: XX/XX/20XX Time: [REDACTED]

The research team has officially disbanded.

Over the past several months, I watched morale deteriorate with alarming speed. The further we progressed into understanding the curse, the more difficult it became for some members to justify our methods. Several argued that our work differed little from the practices Darkwick accuses unauthorized researchers of committing. Others simply could not endure the emotional burden of observing the patients.

I understand their concerns.

In truth, I cannot entirely disagree with them.

Every member who resigned demonstrated more empathy than I ever possessed. For that reason, I chose not to stop them. Whatever guilt accompanies this project should belong to me alone.

𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘: 𝟎𝟐-𝐂

Date: XX/XX/20XX Time: [REDACTED]

An unusual development has occurred.

Nearly half of the former staff members who resigned from Project [REDACTED] have disappeared under unexplained circumstances.

Several remaining contacts have privately accused me of silencing individuals to preserve project secrecy. The accusation is understandable given the nature of our work. However, I can state with complete certainty that I bear no responsibility for these disappearances.

Unfortunately, that realization offers little comfort.

If I am not responsible, then someone else is.

And whoever that may be appears significantly more dangerous than I initially anticipated.

For the first time since beginning this project, I find myself questioning whether I am truly the one conducting the investigation or merely another subject being observed.

𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘: 𝟎𝟑-𝐀

Date: XX/XX/20XX Time: [REDACTED]

I have resumed research independently.

No assistants. No consultants. No field teams. And no witnesses.

At first, the silence was difficult to tolerate. Eventually, I realized it allowed me to focus more effectively.

More importantly, I finally discovered a recurring pattern within the biological behavior of Kyklos.

The anomaly does not merely resemble floral organisms, it functions as one.

The entire infection cycle mirrors the growth process of plant life. Human hosts provide nutrients, hydration, temperature regulation, and biological stability in much the same way soil supports a seed. Once established, the anomaly adapts to its environment and gradually alters the host until complete transformation occurs.

The comparison is surprisingly accurate.

A seed requires fertile soil, water, and sunlight. Kyklos requires a human body. However, not every seed survives every environment.

After reviewing archived cases and conducting comparative analysis, I discovered several instances in which Kyklos failed to adapt successfully to its host. In these cases, both the anomaly and the infected individual perished before full mutation could occur.

If adaptation can fail naturally, then perhaps it can be disrupted artificially.

This observation became the foundation of my next objective. Medication development.

𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓

Anti-Mutation Pharmaceutical Development Program Research Lead: [REDACTED] Current Status: Active

After several months of experimentation, I have begun developing pharmaceutical agents designed to interfere with the progression of FCDS.

𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜-𝐏𝐫𝐄𝐏 (𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐬)

Status: Incomplete / Theoretical Formula. Objective: Immunological immunization against the vector’s volatile energy footprint before physical exposure occurs.

𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜-𝐏𝐄𝐏 (𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐬)

Status: Active Protocol / Stabilized Formulation.

While neither treatment can eliminate the infection, P-PEP demonstrates measurable success in slowing progression rates among early stage Bloom Subjects.

Current research suggests that Kyklos requires a highly specific biological environment to thrive. Nutrient availability, hydration levels, metabolic activity, and body temperature all appear to influence the speed of mutation.

P-PEP functions by artificially destabilizing those conditions.

Rather than attacking the anomaly directly, the treatment alters the host environment until it becomes increasingly unsuitable for continued growth.

The results have been promising.

When administered shortly after exposure and combined with strict compliance to treatment protocols, progression can be delayed for approximately two months beyond expected timelines.

Unfortunately, the side effects are severe.

Observed complications include persistent nausea, reduced heart rate, lowered body temperature, appetite suppression, hallucinations, memory impairment, concentration difficulties, and increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Interestingly, weakening Kyklos also weakens the host.

Patients undergoing treatment demonstrate significant intolerance to ultraviolet exposure and become increasingly nocturnal in their activity patterns. Daytime lethargy becomes common, while periods of alertness occur primarily during nighttime hours.

Current dosage recommendations require two injections per month.

The treatment is not approved for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions due to elevated complication risks.

Further testing remains necessary.

Unfortunately, without external funding, future development may become impossible to me.

𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘: 𝟎𝟑-𝐁

Date: XX/XX/20XX Time: [REDACTED]

I had almost forgotten about Project [REDACTED].

Months had passed since my last meaningful breakthrough. Funding had disappeared. Research materials had become increasingly difficult to acquire. Most importantly, there was nobody left to share the burden with.

Perhaps that was for the best. The fewer people involved, the fewer people would disappear.

For a while, I convinced myself that abandoning the project was the rational decision. Kyklos had already taken enough from me. My team was gone. My reputation was ruined. Whatever remained of my social life had been sacrificed years ago in favor of chasing answers that seemed increasingly out of reach.

Today I went to get my groceries, and a shady car kept following me as I turned into an alley to avoid them. I ended up getting captured anyway.

There was a man in a black suit who announced that there was someone who would like to talk to me. They then proceeded to blindfold me and took me somewhere unknown to me. They claimed they were Institute agents.

Upon arriving at the place, they still had not taken off my blindfold until they brought me into what seemed to be a building and a room. There, I met a guy. Oddly enough, I recognized him.

He was one of those seniors back in my school days. We were not close by any means, but we did exchange words since we were both interested in anomalous biology. However, a reunion like this did give me quite a [REDACTED]. He does not seem to be the same man I had known back then. He is somehow more i̴n̴t̴i̴m̴i̴d̴a̴t̴i̴n̴g̴

His name is ██████

Next to him was a young man whom I did not recognize, and the senior claimed that this was one of his favorite students. The young man seemed to be forced to be there, as he did not seem to enjoy the conversation much. He also did not say anything.

𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘: 𝟎𝟒-𝐀

Date: XX/XX/20XX Time: [REDACTED]

That white haired bastard, many things about him might have changed, but there is one thing that is still the same. He is very persuasive. He wants my medication research, which I have kept low profile and secret. Nobody knows about it but me, yet somehow he knows.

In exchange, he can continue funding my research until I am able to find the final cure for the Kyklos curse.

It is odd enough for him to request that of me, and it is also odd when he offers such a great deal. I wonder what made him change his mind. Back then, he was the first to be against conducting research on Kyklos. I assumed he knew something. But now, I am not so sure. After the incident with his own project and crew, we never met again, nor were we in any form of contact.

"What changed your mind?"

"Let's just say I've come to appreciate results over principles."

He is such a dangerous man to work around, and I would not want to tangle myself in such a mess. But then again, his offer is tempting, and I am taking that into consideration.

Though I did ask him what would happen if I said no, he just smiled and said.

"You're smarter than that."

And as I mentioned at the beginning of my project, if you are reading this, I am quite likely no longer alive. But I have come this far. Losing my members was what I had foreseen. Should I work with those who have pulled harm on them?

As a human, no. But as someone who has risked my life and put all my time into this project, then yes.

I value my fruits more than anything else in this world. If not, why would I ever have conducted this project in the very beginning?

Document Status: ACTIVE Project Status: RECLASSIFIED Funding Status: RESTORED Research Lead: [REDACTED] Observer: [REDACTED] Next Log: PENDING

END OF CURRENT RECORD

I think it's somewhat similar to Alan's case, just in a less direct way. Alan's father was directly involved with the Institute, so they had to handle Alan personally. With other ghouls though, they probably take a more subtle approach, including quietly "cleaning up" any incidents or evidence if a ghoul accidentally leaves something behind.

Cases like Ren and Kaito's seem much more typical. Darkwick simply sends them an invitation, and whether they accept or not, the Institute probably still has ways to keep them under surveillance.

Also, not every ghoul seems to be in their early 20. Some could easily be in their late 20 or even older (we have Ed so like why don't assume at least some of them alr 30 or older) if you want to interpret it that way. Darkwick doesn't function like a normal academy where everyone enrolls right after high school. It seems possible for people to live their lives, gain work experience, or continue their education before eventually coming to Darkwick. If that's true, then they may have been monitored for much longer than we realize before deciding to enroll.

Darkwick also presents itself as a place that guarantees a bright future, a stable career, and a comfortable life after graduation. I imagine that's a huge reason why many ghouls and students choose to attend. They probably just want to finish their training, graduate, and finally have a stable life. Of course, none of that comes for free. You still have to work incredibly hard for it. Like Haku said, if you do them a favor, they'll return the favor.

So either Darkwick is simply very persuasive and knows exactly how to present benefits that are attractive enough to convince people to enroll, or they're confident that even if a ghoul refuses to attend, they can still keep tabs on them and intervene whenever necessary.

Kaito's story also supports that ghouls are already under supervision before enrolling. His flashback confirmed that he made his demon pact at a very young age, and after his grandmother was hospitalized, he had to live with relatives. I like to think that when he received Darkwick's invitation, he accepted because he didn't want to keep burdening his relatives now that he was old enough to take responsibility for himself. Darkwick offered him housing, education, work opportunities, and a much more stable future, so enrolling would've been the practical choice.

🎰 ————————————————— 🎰

Romeo Scorpius Lucci:

Romeo firmly believed physical affection should be elegant, sophisticated, and graceful. Forehead kisses? Acceptable. Holding hands? Tasteful. A kiss on the back of your hand? Classic. Head pats? Absolutely not.

"They're undignified."

That had been his exact opinion.

Until one afternoon.

The two of you had been walking through campus when a group of first-years ran past, nearly knocking you over. Romeo caught your arm before you could stumble.

"You need to pay attention, BB."

"...Sorry."

And without thinking, he lightly patted your head.

Just once.

You froze.

Romeo blinked.

"...BB?"

"..."

"...BB."

"..."

"Why aren't you moving?"

Your voice came out as little more than a squeak.

"...Again."

"What?"

"...Please."

Romeo stared.

Then slowly, very slowly, he did it again. Your eyes immediately fluttered shut, and the tiniest smile appeared on your face. Romeo almost forgot how to breathe.

"...You..." His voice sounded strangely quiet. "...Like that?"

You covered your face.

"...Maybe?"

"..."

"...Don't laugh."

"I'm not laughing. I'm reconsidering my entire worldview."

"...Romeo."

"...I've spent years believing head pats were beneath me. Apparently I was catastrophically mistaken."

You peeked between your fingers.

"...Really?"

Romeo sighed dramatically. Then rested his hand on your head once more.

Pat.

"...If this expression is the result..." Another pat. "...Perhaps they're acceptable." You looked so impossibly content that even Romeo couldn't deny how absurdly cute it was.

Now it became a habit. Whenever you did something that secretly made him proud...

Pat.

Whenever you finished a difficult mission...

Pat.

Whenever you curled up beside him after a long day...

Pat.

Eventually you asked the question that had been bothering you.

"...Why now?"

Romeo looked genuinely confused.

"What do you mean?"

"You used to hate head pats."

He sighed and looked away.

"I still think they're rather inelegant." A pause. "...For everyone else, that is. Not you."

Your heart nearly stopped.

"Because?"

Romeo gently smiled. The soft kind. The one only you ever saw.

"...Because seeing you smile is worth abandoning a few principles."

❄️ —————————————————❄️

Jin Kamurai:

Jin discovered your weakness entirely by accident. You'd fallen asleep over paperwork in Frostheim's captain's room. Again. When he walked in, your head was resting on folded arms, papers scattered everywhere.

"...Idiot."

He sighed, walked over, moved the paperwork before you'd wrinkle it. Then, almost absentmindedly, his hand rested atop your head. A single gentle stroke through your hair. You made the tiniest sound, something halfway between a sigh and a hum.

Then—

Without waking—

You leaned into his hand.

Jin froze.

"..."

You looked comfortable.

Safe.

Happier than you had been during your whole relationship with him. All because of one stupid little head pat. He quietly withdrew his hand before you woke. He never mentioned it and neither did you.

Instead, several days later, you'd been having an awful afternoon. Nothing had gone right. Reports were piling up, everyone wanted something, and Leo had been teasing you all day. You looked exhausted.

Jin watched you for a long moment. Then simply walked over.

Pat.

You blinked and looked up at him.

"Huh...?"

Another pat.

Your shoulders visibly relaxed.

"Feeling better?"

"...Maybe."

“Thought so."

From then on, it became his silent way of checking on you. No long speeches. No dramatic reassurances.

Just...

Pat.

After difficult missions.

Pat.

After arguments.

Pat.

Before bed.

Eventually you gathered enough courage to ask.

"Why do you keep doing that?"

Jin looked genuinely surprised.

"Because you like it."

"...How did you know?"

".You lean into it every damn time."

"..."

"Like a cat. Don't deny it."

You couldn't. Because he was right.

"...Is it weird?"

Jin snorted. "No." He stepped closer. Resting his palm gently against your head once more. "It's cute. Besides," Another slow stroke through your hair. "If this is all it takes to make my girlfriend's day a little easier..." His voice softened. "Why wouldn't I?"

⛓️ —————————————————⛓️

Leo Kurosagi:

You never actually told Leo you liked head pats. Mostly because admitting something so embarrassingly simple felt... well, embarrassing. Instead, he'd discovered it completely by accident.

It had happened during a late-night editing session in his room. You'd spent nearly three hours listening to him complain about comment sections, algorithms, sponsorship emails, and "people who clearly have no artistic vision." Somewhere around midnight, while he was muttering to himself over a video timeline, he'd absentmindedly reached over and rested his hand on top of your head. Not even a real head pat. Just a lazy, thoughtless gesture.

His fingers had brushed through your hair once, twice, three times. You'd gone completely still.

Leo hadn't even noticed at first. He had continued rambling for another thirty seconds before finally looking over. "Honor Roll?" You hadn't answered. "...Did you die?" Your face had turned such an impressive shade of red that he actually leaned closer to make sure you weren't running a fever. "You're weird."

You'd buried your face in your hands.

"...Please don't look at me."

That was when he'd figured it out. And Leo, being Leo, had become absolutely insufferable.

Nowadays, if he noticed you'd had a rough day, he'd simply wander over without a word, lazily drop one hand onto your head, and gently ruffle your hair.

Every. Single. Time.

And your brain stopped functioning.

It didn't matter how many months you'd been dating. Didn't matter how many times he'd done it. The reaction was always exactly the same. Your shoulders relaxed, your eyes softened, and you unconsciously leaned into his touch before catching yourself a second later.

Leo noticed. Of course he noticed. His lips slowly curled into the most smug grin imaginable.

“Seriously?"

You refused to look at him.

"...Shut up."

"You leaned into it like some cat." ironic isn't it?

"I did not."

"You absolutely did."

"I was just adjusting my balance."

"Your balance required moving directly into my hand?"

"...Yes."

"Honor Roll."

"What."

"You're adorable."

Your entire face immediately exploded into color.

"...I hate you."

"No, you don't."

"..."

"...You're blushing."

"...I hate you a little."

Leo laughed, really laughed. The genuine kind that crinkled the corners of his eyes. Then, before you could recover—

Pat.

Followed by another soft head pat.

"...There."

"...Leo."

"What?"

"...You're doing this on purpose."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"You absolutely do."

"Hm." Another pat. "Maybe."

You sighed dramatically before giving up entirely, resting your forehead against his shoulder. "...You're the worst."

His hand remained on your head, gently smoothing your hair.

"...Yeah." A small smile tugged at his lips. "But you still came over here."

"..."

"Guess I win."

You hated how right he was.

🌸 —————————————————🌸

Haku Kusanagi:

Haku figured it out almost immediately, not because you told him. Definitely not because you told him. But because Haku noticed everything.

It started with Kaito.

One afternoon Kaito had excitedly ruffled your hair after you'd helped him solve a particularly difficult problem. You'd smiled. Not politely. Not out of habit. It was...different. It was soft. Comfortable. Content. And Haku noticed.

Later that evening, while the two of you were walking back toward Hotarubi…

"Princess."

"Hm?"

"You like head pats."

You almost tripped.

"...What?"

"You do."

"I...maybe."

Haku laughed quietly.

"I knew it."

"...How?"

"You smiled differently."

"...That's terrifying."

"It is?"

"You notice too much."

"...Occupational hazard."

Before you could answer, his hand gently settled atop your head. And unlike everyone else, Haku didn't ruffle your hair. He simply rested his hand there. His thumb lightly brushed your hair once. And you melted, completely. Your eyes slowly drifted shut and a tiny smile appeared. Haku's own smile softened. "...There it is. That's the smile I was looking for."

You looked up.

"...What?"

"You've been tired all week. I wanted to see you smile."

Your chest tightened painfully.

"...You really do notice everything."

"I try." Then he leaned down and kissed your forehead before giving you one more gentle pat. "My princess deserves to feel spoiled sometimes."

🎪 —————————————————🎪

Jo Kongoza:

Jo treated head pats like they were a language. Every one meant something different. A congratulations. A reassurance. An "I'm proud of you." An "I'm here." The first time he did it to you, you'd just finished leading a particularly difficult inspection.

You'd been nervous all morning. Absolutely certain you'd made mistakes. Jo listened patiently while you rambled through every tiny detail. Then smiled.

"You did well."

"...You think so?"

"I know so."

Pat.

His large hand rested warmly atop your head and your entire body relaxed before you could stop it. Jo noticed immediately, of course. "Ah."

You blinked.

"Hm?"

"You like this."

"...Maybe."

He laughed warmly. The sound was comforting all on its own. "Good. Because I think you deserve to hear 'good job' more often."

From then on, head pats became your reward.

Finished a difficult report?

Pat.

Helped another student?

Pat.

Finally remembered to take a break?

Pat.

One evening you finally asked, “Why do you always pat my head instead of just saying you're proud of me?"

Jo simply smiled. "Because sometimes..." His hand settled gently atop your hair once more. "People need to feel cared for." Another slow pat. "Not just hear it." And you suddenly understood why everyone in Dionysia adored their captain.

🎪 —————————————————🎪

Elias Pratt:

Elias was the last person you'd expected to become affectionate. He wasn't embarrassed by it. He simply didn't think about it.

Until one rainy afternoon.

The two of you had ducked beneath a covered walkway while waiting for the storm to pass. You'd quietly complained about your day. Nothing dramatic. Just one of those days where everything felt heavy. Elias listened, really listened. And when you finally finished talking, he reached over.

Pat.

You blinked.

"Elias...?"

"You looked like you needed one."

Your face warmed instantly.

"...I..."

"Too much?"

"No.” A pause. “...Again?"

Elias smiled.

"...Of course."

Pat.

His touch was gentle. Almost absentminded. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Better?"

"Much."

"Good."

From then on, he started doing it whenever you looked overwhelmed. Never making a big deal of it, never teasing you, just quietly reaching over.

Pat.

One evening, curiosity finally got the better of him.

"Can I ask something?"

"Yeah?"

"Why do you always smile like that afterwards?"

You looked away. "Because when I was younger..." Your voice became softer. "Nobody really... did things like that."

Elias' expression changed. The easygoing smile faded into something gentler. "I see." He stepped closer, resting his forehead briefly against yours. Then—

Pat.

"...Then I'll have to make up for lost time. Would that be alright?"

Your eyes stung unexpectedly.

"...I'd like that."

Elias smiled. That warm, patient smile. The kind of smile that made the world feel just a little bit safer. "Good." Another soft head pat. "Then we'll start today."

~~~~

Tag list: @genevathekitty @sh0jun @elfes-materia @edwardhartenjoyer @mylovelycinema @glamorousspoon @cleverthylacine @ox-ren-xo @bao-yu-sarah-morningstar-wang-9 @innocent-and-angelic @ajade19 @ziyeriah-png @ghostfox9249 @dailyvahine @shion-genkai @lycasartist @jadesharp2006 @blackmoonlilith15 @violanemo @yellowflowerevythinks @im-no-mechanic-but

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Tag list: @lycasartist @genevathekitty @oldwokasiv @asugarypoison @we1rd-quistions @hazel-star @misc-mish-mash @echoversit @alaina102607 @violanemo @luminous-sxno @sh0jun @eeelieschariot @blackmoonlilith15 @gilswifey @promise-of-soup @jadesharp2006 @rosebell0 @ash0-0ley @hinanhi @raynidays @gieeeeeeeeeee @schopenhauernietzsche @insomnia-space @helphelpbees @mei-lissa @silverargentu

Character Card: Backlit Ruby(「ルビーの逆光」  "Ruby's Backlight") Skill: The Avoidant's Road(「回避の歩み」  "The Path Of The Evasive") Fully Awakened Skill: Shards Of Compassion(「思いやりの欠片」  "Fragments Of Sympathy") Warding Card: July Distortion(「７月に咲く屈折」  "Distortion Blooms In July") (屈折 means 'distortion, warping, or twisting' as in feelings, logic, etc--so kind of describing his complex and conflicting feelings and tsundereness a bit more politely lol)

That's it today! Haku will have to be soon lol. Maybe that's why they realized they couldn't release the episode on the 27th, that's too much overlap lol

Gacha is gambling! Banners rerun! The mystery diner pays Ren suspiciously well but even he's selective with his pulls! If you're going to gamble, be like Ren and be selective! Remember that you can always save up for a rerun! If you choose to spend money, please set limits for yourself snf keep a close eye on your spending. If you're struggling with gambling addiction--which includes resisting thr FOMO of pulling in gacha games, remember thst help is out there and it's never too late to get better! Don't let yourself be robbed by sunk cost!

This would have actually been up like half an hour ago but I normally send these to someone in Japan on Discord and I forgot like the past two updates. And I got very distrscted trying to explain saying すみません、ホントに面倒くない、こちら深夜、おまけに忘れっぽい and that's not even that many words i know half of those without looking them up but it still took me like 45 minutes to string together sentences and send them the last two cards and this one and explain 公開日わからない、たぶん明日か月曜日か so like. I'm still learning.

It's normal and expected to be skeptical of people when they say how bad their situations are. But it's important to give them the consideration you would want if you explained a bad situation you were in, because others will only know so much of the legitimacy of your situation too. Nobody owes anybody any proof, but we should still have some compassion towards one another. Even if they're lying, surely there's a reason for it.

Okay that's it good night