#koganace

Ace never felt this weird pain in his chest. It always hit him at nights when he remembers that Kogane will leave. He knows why this feeling is there, obviously. He loves her. He never felt so giddy around someone else. He never felt so overjoyed laughing with someone. Yet he never felt so hurt seeing someone leave. She didn't even leave yet, but the scene plays on repeat in his head anyways. The moment when this stupid headmage will tell them he found a way for her to go back, the moment when she won't hesitate to go. Leaving them behind. Leaving him behind. He doesn't even know why he's so sure that she will choose her old life instead of him, but his stupid mind is convinced she won't want to stay with him. Why would she? They barely spent a year together, she probably didn't get attached to him as much as he did anyways.

Ace sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night after a horrible nightmare. He was reaching out his hand, his chest tight with unsaid words. In front of him, Kogane's back, so close yet so, so damn far. He wants to reach out to her so bad. To say those three words he's been too much of a coward to say before. Maybe, just maybe, it will get her to stay. If she found his love worthy, maybe she'd stay. But that's when Ace realizes, he has nothing. He's not a rich prince, he's not a world class top model, he's not.. anything. A troublemaker, at best. An untalented one at that, he doesn't even have his own unique magic yet. What a dumbass, he thinks. How could he dare to think she'd want to stay with a coward? A coward who runs away at every single problem because he has no idea how to solve them? Yeah, he's a loser. She deserves anything but a loser.

Ace never thought he would love someone this much. He was head over heels for Kogane even before he knew it. She is just so easy to admire. The way she asserts herself, and the way she's confident, and the way she doesn't hesitate to say what's on her mind. And she's talented, quick-witted, and snarky and— oh, great sevens, what doesn't she have? Every new trait of her personality, Ace has come to love it. Each. Time. Even when she was insecure for the first time. Even when she cried for the first time. Even after witnessing her moments of weakness, that she never hid because "we're all humans" she'd say. For even after all of this, Ace cherished all of her. Every small bits of her being was a blinding lights to his eyes. A light akin to a sun that should never set.

Ace had never seen eyes so dazzling. Dazzling and beautiful. Those golden eyes. Oh, if his soul had to be taken, he'd want to be able to look at Kogane's eyes one last time. Above all, being by Kogane's side is all that Ace wishes. But if hers is to go away? Then so be it. He'll die with his love blossoming over and over again at each thought of her.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺♦️&♥️༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

How I have been doing (no big vent, just news, positivity)

Well, actually, I've been doing good! The last 6 months have been fine, I hang out with friends at school and we laugh a lot even though exams are there soon. I'm sure I can pass them easily so I'm not even anxious 😎

I think I've been doing better than when I was active in the twst fandom, idk how to explain it but it was a way for me to cope with stress. And now that I feel more connected to my real life, I somehow stopped being in a "fictional bubble" where all I thought about was twst and other piece of media I consume. But!!! In no case has that fandom ever made me feel worse/bad. I'm always giggling and kicking my feet when interacting with y'all. 🥹

I just lost motivation because drawing pressured me a lot, for whatever reasons. I'm a big perfectionist so ig that's that. But I've been working on it so it's all good now!

Overall, I'm good!

Kogane

I started writing her lore and never posted the rest.. I have it all in my head though! If I don't write the rest, I'll probably just write a post that sums it up.

I thought a lot about her personality because it was somehow never stable. She could be an extrovert or an introvert, sensible or impulsive, arrogant or cheerful, selfish or selfless.... all at the same time. Yet all of it was in character!

I've come to the conclusion that Kogane is kind of like Floyd, she's not someone you can figure out completely. And you can't guess how she'll act, and can't guess what she thinks.

That's why there is so much angst potential with Ace! AceYuu is always doomed anyway, so here are some things I drew!

The "slowly forgetting your face" trend has gotten to me. So of course, I had to do it. Both of the drawings are from Ace's POV.

Her eyes look so tired on the second one, it's on purpose, and I love how I did the coloring.

(Also, I wrote the line of "I'll Believe In Anything" but afterwards I realized maybe I shouldn't have done it because well, an IRL friend of mine told me it's considered like a queer anthem. I only thought about it AFTER writing the line. I'm sorry if anyone takes offense. I just thought the song fits well with them, I never intended to erase queer experience or anything!! Especially not during pride month.)

I decided what I wanted to do with KogAce relationship, finally! Mostly I asked myself: "happy or bad ending?"

Bad ending. Well, Kogane goes back in her world at the end of their 2nd year. Leaving Ace– who was happy to finally be her BOYFRIEND– alone. He feels they spent TOO LITTLE time together, and now it's WAY TOO LATE for him to tell her how much he loved her. We can say she's the one that got away! Yeah, too many songs fit them..

But Grim too. I love the bond between Grim and Yuu, but I realized I haven't worked on it that much with Kogane and Grim.

Kogane, my first oc, my first daughter 🥹💔 I ought to give her more depth and I will!

Yuume

Ah my Yuusona! She was inspired from how I acted at the time I created her. Now I find myself being really more chaotic than her, maybe it's just the people around me that makes me this way (I love them 🥹). But I never really said she was that serious either. After all, I established already (in my mind) that she is just hard to read, but has a strong personality when she's around the right people.

Now, about my yumeship with Floyd. Well, Floyd is still my favorite character from TWST and one of my comfort characters. But I don't personally ship my IRL self with him. While I do ship Yuume, who is my self insert, with him, I don't ship myself with him. So is that still a yumeship??? IDK?? I need someone to enlighten me lmao.

Reika and Seiji

Unfortunately, I hadn't had much thoughts about her. But I do have some ideas how to improve the complexity of her bond with Seiji.

As for Idia, well, they're not even angsty or anything. They're just a happy couple. The angst comes with Reika and Seiji, siblings angst 💔

I realized it was almost unhealthy how Seiji really idealizes his sister and how she's the only person he really holds dear. Well actually, it is unhealthy. Reika, as perceptive as she usually is, she won't even notice it. So I guess I have to think of something that'll make an important turn in their relationship.

Also, since Kogane and Yuume are both Yuus, they're not in the same universe. For Reika and Seiji, they're also in a different universe with another Yuu.

The potential of Seiji to become a really complex character is here, I just didn't focus on it.

His personality has three layers:

1 - Helpful and cheerful. His classmates view him as someone who's selfless and kind. They wonder why is he at Octavinelle, so it was hard for him to gain everyone's trust at the begining of the year. He doesn't know why he acts that way, why he doesn't show his 'real' self instead of forcing another personality. He just does it.

2 - Sneaky and arrogant with violent tendancies. While he can be mischievous, sometimes he's also just teasing, without hurting anyone. He acts the opposite of the first layer, and only shows this side of himself around people he trusts just a little more. Though he won't admit that to himself and say it's just boredom. He'll come to act this way with Sebek, Yuu & Grim, Leona, Ruggie, Epel and the rest of the Spelldrive Club. Aw he trusts his teammates ❤️‍🩹🥹

3 - He doesn't know. Very quiet. He's like this when he studies, rarely. He tries to keep himself entertained so he doesn't have to feel this way. But late at night he's forced to realize he just doesn't know. What to do, what to become, how to act.. Sometimes he wonder what made him like this. His parents did play favorite with him, that should've satisfied him. But no. He rarely talks about it with Reika, knowing her childhood was much worse. He knows she sleeps late, so sometimes he sneak out of his dorm and goes to hers. Just to be with her and sit in silence most of the time.

He'll stop acting all helpful during book 7. Everyone saw his dream anyway, so he has no reason to keep acting this way. (I'll write a fic about his dream)

Other fandoms?

I realized I shouldn't just focus on TWST when I have so many interests other than TWST. For exemple, I'm very into ROTMHS (the manhwa as well as the novel) and JJBA (anime only for now). I even drew a Jojo Stand for myself if I ever had a Stand. And I have a ROTMHS oc as well!

Haikyuu is also one of my favorite anime and I'm very into Pokemon (tho the latter is already present on my blog)

I think about posting the Jojo Stand I drew, and the art I made about ROTMHS (and some edits).

What do I plan to post now?

Now, I realized I love drawing digitally, but I prefer writing. So this blog is probably going to become a writing blog more than an art one. Maybe I'll still join fanevents (with chibis), and I'll continue my Pokemon x TWST ocs series. And if I draw, it'll be small things or traditional art. Tbh I felt pressured by myself to draw things, and I never really liked anything I drew.

Instead of just yapping, I'll try to write real (and short) fics of my Ocs. It'll get me to actually do something instead of just doomscrolling, and that way I can keep interacting with the TWST fandom!

However I know this fandom is much more about art than writing. I'll probably get ignored, which is fine!

I have some things in head for KogAce that I'll post very soon. (And maybe Seiji but it's still foggy in my brain.)

---

Thank to all my moots and people I follow on this app! The TWST fandom really feels like a big happy family on Tumblr.

Home transition, groovification:

"Heh, I'm having so much fun here! This day was sure as hell one of the best I spent in Twisted Wonderland!"

Tap home, groovification:

"I managed to prank Shuu! I waited for her to be alone and BOO! She told me it was the second time someone did that to her, poor her. But I don't regret it!"

I'm hesitating wether to write the vignettes or not, I don't really know what to write 😓

He yawned, it was almost 2 am, and as much as he was used to staying up late, he was tired.

"..Kogane," he whined dramatically, "you've been starin' at the books since we got here!"

Silence.

The ginger huffed.

"Hey, don't ignore me."

He dragged his feet to stand beside her, she was reading a dusty book.

"You didn't even tell me.." he paused, for theatrics surely, then leaned his chin over her shoulder, lowering his voice.

"..What are ya looking for?"

She exhaled, closing the book and putting it back in its place. Then shrugged the shoulder Ace was leaning on to nudge his chin.

"It's weird. Every book have the full name of their authors, but.. she never appears anywhere. It feels like they personally hid her last name. But why?" she muttered to herself, frown never leaving her face.

Ace blinked, his expression grew more serious. He stood straight and nudged her shoulder.

"Hey, I'm not really following right now, who are we talking about?"

"A certain Leylin. They say she was a scientist and historian that wrote most of this school's books. And yet, her last name is always crossed out— repeatedly. This shit's weird."

Kogane took yet another dusty book and flipped the pages to find something, anything that could ease this nagging curiosity.

Ace, meanwhile, was confused.

"...And? Why do you even care?"

She froze despite herself.

It's true, why did she even care?

Suddenly, the absurdity of this situation hit her.

Kogane was in the library, during the middle of the night, looking for information on a author's name she only saw once.

Worse? She didn't know why she was doing that.

It was stupid. But it's like her body acted on its own, forgetting any ounce of critical thinking Kogane usually had.

This felt familiar, like she was under Jamil's or Jade's spell.

This time, her curiosity had her under a spell.

'Wait.'

"A spell..?" She mumbled, her eyes widening.

"..Ace Trappola, you're a fuckin' genius." Much to his surprise, she let out a breathy laugh.

Before he could answer, she shoved the book she was reading back in its place with a thud. Then stormed out of the Archives, grabbed the book that started it all and rushed out Night Raven College, heading back to Ramschackle.

Ace had to jog to catch up to her, and even then, she wouldn't tell him anything.

Kogane slammed Ramschackle's door open.

This was growing more confusing. And honestly? He was hurt. She always hid things. From him, from everyone.

She was met with the other boys standing in the lounge.

Without even taking her time to catch her breath, she walked to the table and put down the book, ignoring their looks.

"Y'all are awake, perfect. I have something to—"

She couldn't finish her sentence when the green haired boy grabbed her shoulders and spun her around.

"KOGANE, WHERE WERE YOU?" Sebek yelled, as always, but his voice was more urgent, almost worried.

Kogane frowned, not liking being manhandled like this, especially not by someone as rude as Sebek.

"This ain't the main topic, I–"

"It certainly is!" He cut her off again.

And this time, grabbing his wrists roughly, she pushed him off with a strength she wasn't aware she had.

"What's your deal?! Stop talkin' over me, damnit!"

Just before Sebek could grow more upset and Kogane more irritated, Jack got in between them, forcing Sebek to take a step back.

"Can you two stop fighting?!" Deuce raised his voice too, not helping the tension.

Jack shot him a side glance, "Deuce, you're not really helping."

"Erk.. my bad."

"Okay, let's cool off a little and take a breather!" Ortho beamed, he was back in his usual gear, floating in the air.

Kogane's eyes shifted to each one of the boys. Ace was standing near her, catching his breath.

Jack looked tired, and overall confused about this.

Epel was collapsed in one of the armchair, grumpy and glaring at everyone.

Deuce was trying, but his airheadness was multiplied by two since it was the middle of the night.

And Sebek.. well, he looked concerned, not that he would ever admit it.

She exhaled sharply, taking a step back.

"..Fine. Sorry, I guess."

Sebek didn't say anything, but he didn't yell.

Jack glanced at both of them hesitantly, then at Ortho, who gave him a nod. So he stepped back.

Still, his mouth was sealed.

"I am not apologizing just because you mumbled an apology that wasn't even genuine!"

"..Oh for fuckin' heaven's sake, can ya apologize or is it that unknown to you?"

Kogane snapped. Sebek flared— again.

"I mean, I ain't in the wrong! You're the one who grabbed me and started yelling for nothing!"

Ortho watched them argue with a mix of shock and annoyance. Judging by their stress and tension stats, he knew both of them were acting like this out of exhaustion, probably. And while it was the case for Kogane, something deeper lied beaneath Sebek's anger.

Just as he wanted to speak up, Ace cut in.

"Kogane." he called, the fake playfulness in his voice was signaling bad idea.

"I think you are in the wrong, y'know."

Kogane's fingers twitched, her head slowly turned to him.

"Fucking what?" She shot him a glare.

Normally, Ace would've backtracked, said he was only joking, or anything, really.

But now..

"I mean, you snuck out at one am to go to the library, trying to solve one of your problem alone— again! When we promised we'd help each other out!" He laughed, because that's what Ace always did, because he felt as if talking about serious topics would burn his throat.

Sebek's frown faltered, just a little, because Ace spoke his exact thoughts.

Ortho couldn't do anything but watch, if he learned something by watching humans, it was that fights were a form of communication, and they can't be restrained for long.

Jack, Epel and Deuce were speechless, they never saw Kogane and Ace this upset, although Sebek was quite current.

Kogane forced herself to take a breath, eyes shut, biting the inside of her cheek.

She thought again about why she did this, why did she come back here, and simply thought about everything again.

"..Okay. Okay. I.. am. In the wrong, I mean." She slowly spoke, her eyes fluttering open.

Looking at Sebek, she smiled faintly, but not without her usual sarcasm.

"For once, I owe ya apologies. It's the first and last time, though."

Then at Ace, a sheepish chuckle escaped her.

"And.. I'll explain everything."

She turned to look at everyone, holding the book in her hand.

"Let's just.. sit down."

A beat passed.

"Wait— where's— ow."

Something just collapsed into Kogane's leg.

She glanced down, Grim.

"Kogane.." he muttered her name weakly.

"I thought ya transfered back home without tellin' me!" He whined, voice muffled.

Kogane crouched down, then tore Grim away from her leg, holding him in her hands.

She frowned, was he crying? He was hiding his face, but his voice sounded like it.

She shook him a little, tears weren't rolling down his face—yet. His eyes were definitely teary though.

"What's up with you? You're emotional because it's the middle of the night? What're you, a toddler?" She teased, but her usual cocky smirk was softer.

Grim bristled, his paws hitting at her hands.

"S-Shaddup! I'm just sayin', you have no rights of leaving your boss alone like that! That's.. a mean hench-human!"

And that was it for the direbeast. Grim started sobbing.

This seemed sudden to the freshmen, but Kogane knew what was the reason behind this. Since Malleus had been defeated, Grim was scared the main issue would now be Kogane returning home. And he didn't want that.

'He'd been waking up every night to be sure I was still here.. Not to mention he's glued to me all day.'

...

With a reluctant sigh, Kogane hugged him and turned to the freshmen.

"Don't mind him, let's focus on what I have to say and..."

Epel yawned.

Jack rubbed his eyes.

Deuce was squinting like a grandma.

"..Fine, we'll talk after sleeping."

And Sebek and Ace's stiff shoulders relaxed.

Ortho couldn't help but let his eyes linger on the book.

It wasn't in the data he had of Night Raven College's library.

He wanted to ask Kogane where she found it, he decided against it. As she said, sleeping was better for now.

Upstairs and back in Kogane's room, they settled down again and, in only a few minutes, everyone let themselves fall into slumber again.

Almost everyone.

Kogane glanced down at Ace.

"...What?" She whispered, noticing how his eyes were on her since they got back.

"..Ugh. Nevermind. Nothing. Go to sleep, dumbass."

With that, he rolled on his side, back facing Kogane now.

'Weirdo.' She rolled her eyes and lay back down carefully. Grim was sleeping near her stomach and pressed up against her after all.

Kogane couldn't help it, she pet his head. Then her hand stilled on the fur of his back. Just like that, her eyes fluttered shut as the exhaustion took over her body.

But Ace Trappola couldn't sleep. He noticed Ortho's confusion about the book, it didn't sit right with him. Plus, a spell? What is the link between this book and a spell? Why would Kogane talk about—

Ace groaned, dragging a hand down his face. He had to stop thinking about this before going mad.

Thus, he draped his arm over his eyes and tried to think about anything else.

No can do, he fell asleep thinking about Kogane.

─── ⟡ ───

"Here's the deal, in one week, the next saturday, the 15th April, it's Kogane's birthday!" Ace began with a grin, "And even tho she told me she doesn't really celebrate it, we still should prepare a thing or two, right?"

Kalim's eyes sparkled and he immediatly shouted out, "Yeah, yeah yeah! I can buy a lot of food and things for her birthday! It'll be like super cool and I'll invite you all–" the white haired boy's voice got cut by Jamil.

"Kalim, calm down, you're not going to buy enormous things." he said as he rubbed his temples. The poor boy was standing next to Kalim, and his outbursts always made his ears ring.

Cater hummed in approvement, he was sitting on one of the couch in the lounge. "That's a good idea Acey," he chuckled, "but do you have anything in mind?"

Ace was speechless. Honestly, he didn't have any idea except a common birthday party, but it was for the love of his life their beloved Prefect! So it can't be common, can it?

"Well... I thought about a birthday party at Heartslabyul, but.." he trailed off.

There was a pause in the room, before Riddle spoke up. He was beside Cater on the couch, with Trey at his side and Deuce standing behind him.

"We might as well do something special for her, is that what you're trying to say?" he asked.

"Y-Yeah! It's her first year in a total new world, so we should make it memoreable, right?" he glanced at everyone in the room.

Leona's ears twitched and he snickered. Yes, he was also here instead of napping. He was comfortably sitting on an armchair with Jack and Ruggie at his sides.

"Just say you're down bad for her."

This made Ruggie giggle, while Jack only held himself back from smiling.

"Woah woah woah, hey don't make assumptions like that!" he retorted with a frown on his face.

A familiar psycho laugh escaped one of the Leech.

"Ooh! Crabby has a crush on Sea Swallow? What a good match~" Floyd grinned as he shot him an amused look.

Ace didn't even had the time to answer that the other twin showed a toothy smile, one that didn't reach his eyes.

"Floyd, don't tease the poor boy, he might be a little lost with his feelings."

Ace's cheeks flushed a tint of red, he had the biggest frown on his face as he glared at the Leech twins.

"Hey that's not even true!"

Between the Tweels, Azul was sitting on a chair, he sighed dramatically.

"Enough, both of you. Our poor fellow classmate is getting red." his face showed empathy, but truly he was just mocking Ace.

Then he cleared his throat, to add with a smile;

"That being said, I could always lend you the Mostro Lounge for the evening of her birthday."

Ace scoffed in response, "For what? Being forced to work for you for three months? Yeah, no thanks."

He put a hand over his chest, overdramatic like always, "Why, you wound me, thinking of me like this."

"Everyone here knows you're definitely like that, Azul." Jamil said, rolling his eyes.

"Though, even if Kalim would overdo it, we can still prepare a party at our dorm, it's big enough for all of us."

Kalim nodded in approvement, a big smile on his face.

Grim was the first one to object, with a frown on his face. "Myargh, you forgot we got locked in your dorm! No thanks!

"Erk..! Whatever.." he scoffed. Though he couldn't deny Grim was right. Even if Kogane still came to Scarabia from times to times, it was still better to avoid it.

Trey then proposed, "Well, then isn't it better to avoid every place that could remind her of the overblots?"

There was a pause, everyone thinking about a place comfy and big enough for a birthday.

"Now then," initiated Vil, who was sat on another couch, "Ramschackle is the best choice, in my opinion."

"Bien sur! Roi du Poison, you always have the best ideas!" exclaimed Rook.

"Geez, the peak glazing for something so obvious.."

Vil turned to a certain boy with blue fire-like hair, which was sitting on the other side of the couch with Ortho at his sides.

"And what did you say?" he scoffed.

"Eep..! I.. Uh.. Nothing! I was talking to myself, y'know.." Idia muttered out with a sigh. His knees were pressed against his chest with his arms wrapped around them, curling up on himself.

"And what would you suggest for Kogane's birthday party?" Vil inquired with a skeptical tone.

Idia scoffed, "Well, it's obvious we should do it here.. I mean, she lives and spends most of her time here so... That's like.. the most logical thing to do.." he shrugged, a small grin on his face.

"Hmph. At least we agree on this."

The heir of Briar Valley hummed, "But where is the Child of Man as we are talking?"

Grim grinned, "Myaha! We told Crowley to call her in his office and make her stay at least one hour there."

Lilia brought his hand to his chin, he was standing next to Malleus. Silver and Sebek at his side.

"Doesn't she hate him? She'll probably do anything to leave as soon as possible, no? What if she catch this little reunion?" he tilted his head.

Silence.

Lilia had a point. And he looked smug about it.

"Uh.. Well, it'll be fine, let's just.. trust Crowley?" Ace shrugged, not that enthusiastic about the idea of trusting their headmage.

Lilia chuckled, "Right, let's trust him, but she might barge in unexpectedly."

"Oh c'mon! Stop making us doubt our plans!" Grim grumbled, which made the old fae laugh again.

Then Deuce hesitantly raised his hand.

Ace turned to look at him, a cocky grin on his face.

"What? We're not in class, dumbass, just speak up."

Deuce shot him a glare and cleared his throat, "Do.. you have any ideas of a gift?" he asked, but already pretty sure of the answer.

"Nope. Not at all." he answered flatly.

"So, you.. just called us with no ideas at all?" Trey deadpanned with a sigh.

"Yup, exactly."

Silence, again. Idia and Ortho shared a look.

"According to my data, Kogane said she liked to play violin before transferring here. Though, she also said she didn't have enough money to buy one here." explained Ortho to Ace.

"Oh, right! She mentionned that once! So you suggest we offer her a violin?"

Idia scoffed, a cheeky grin on his face.

"We? Who's we? Wasn't all of this your idea? You should buy her the thing, pal." he snorted, knowing a violin could be really, REALLY expensive.

Without leaving time for Ace to respond, Ortho joined his brother in the teasing, "Plus.. if you want her to return your feelings, offering this gift would boost your chances from 90% to 100%!" he exclaimed, for everyone to hear.

"H-HUH?! Shaddup! I already said I don't even like her like that!" he protested. But unfortunately for him, no one believed him.

Vil sighed, "Ortho, Idia, quit the teasing, we're talking about a serious topic." he shot them a deadpan look. Yet the slight tugging at his lips showed Vil wouldn't have minded teasing the ginger boy too, but there were more serious things to talk about.

Ortho chuckled, "Roger, Vil Schoenheit."

Kalim then called out, "Ace! If it's too expensive for you, I can always pay for it!" he proposed with a cheerful grin.

Jamil nudged him, "No, it's Ace's gift. If you want to spend your money, buy her a gift yourself. And not an expensive one."

"...Well, actually... Kalim's help would be good." Ace replied sheepishly as he rubbed his neck, and Jamil shot him a bitter look.

"We can always divide the price and all give money, so she doesn't end up with 20 different gifts." proposed Silver.

"Ohh, right! That's smart!" Ace hummed.

"Can y'all do that?"

Everyone nodded or hummed in approvement. Ace grinned proudly and continued.

"Nice! So, the party's here, our gift's a violin. We just have to find a way to make her leave Ramschackle for a while to put some decorations in this gloomy mansion– but which ones —..Oh and we also need cakes!"

Trey raised his hand with a smile, "Leave the cakes to me."

Kalime waved his hands in the air, "And we got decorations back in Scarabia for the parties I organize!"

Jamil nodded in agreement.

"We can bring those here and decorate. Other snacks too."

Riddle, who seemed deep in thoughts for a few moments, spoke up.

"I propose we split up in two groups the day of her birthday." he began, "One that stays here and decorate the dorm, the other hang out with Kogane and keep her from coming here."

Ace hummed in agreement, "Right. But how are we choosing?"

Soon, they heard fingers tapping on a screen.

Idia was writing something on his tablet, while Ortho had his eyes shut.

After a few moments, they were both done.

"We should all give 1850 thaumarks each." stated Ortho after some calculations.

Ruggie flinched as he heard the price. 1850, it was a lot. A lot more than he had.

"But not everyone has that amount of money. So I propose the ones with the most amounts of money give more than the others, is that alright for everyone?"

Before the others could even answer, or ask what Idia was doing, their phone buzzed.

A new groupchat was created, called "Prefect's birthday".

Soon enough, Idia sent a text.

"Place: Ramschackle ofc

Hour: starting the dorm's preparation at 3, starting the party at 4.

Cakes, snacks, overall food: Trey and Jamil

Decorations: Scarabia's & what we can find at Sam's

Team prep: second years and third years, Ace, Jack, Sebek

Plan: once Kogs gone, we barge in and arrange the dorm

Team distraction: Epel, Deuce and Ortho

Plan: hang out with Kogz out there until i send Ortho a text saying it's all good

Collective gift: violin

Price: overall 40 000 thaumarks. I'll let Orhto text how we split up the price.

Yall can offer a solo gift if u want, i'll get one myself

That good enough 4 u?"

Cater was the first one to pick up his phone and to read the text.

"Wow, that sums up pretty well what was said!"

"Indeed, it's parfait, Roi de Ta Chambre!" beamed Rook no long after.

"..Uh.. Yeah.. Thanks." he shrugged nonchalantly, but it ended up just awkward.

Then they spent another half an hour talking about whay decorations to bring, what to do during the party and other things like that.

Time passed by, and Kogane should've been back in some minutes, so they left.

Kogane was back into Ramschackle just a few minutes after and spent the rest of the afternoon on one of the couch.

Finally, the week passed quickly and 15th April was there.

As said, Epel invited Kogane out to Sam's shop with Deuce and Ortho. The excuse was: "Ah hafta— I mean, I have to buy some things for Vil. Deuce and Ortho also have some things to buy."

So, Kogane agreed, hung out with them for a while.

Epel was doing his best to keep her with them the longest time as possible, Kogane seemed to not notice.

After 45 minutes or so, Ortho finally received the said text from his brother, saying everything was okay and they could come.

"Epel Felmier, Deuce Spade, I finished!" Ortho said enthusiasticly, the two other boys understood that it was the signal.

"Oh yeah, us too! Right Deuce?"

"Yeah, all done."

The group of friends paid, then they exited Sam's shop.

"Finally, you guys took a lot of time!" Kogane complained a little.

Epel chuckled awkwardly, "Haha.. Yeah."

Ortho checked her vitals and any signs on her face that she was annoyed or had guessed their plan, but she seemed more amused than annoyed, so he let it slide.

Kogane smiled, "Anyways, I'll go back to my dorm, bye guys!" she turned around to start heading back go Ramschackle.

The three boys shared a look of panick.

"W-Wait!" Deuce blurted out, which made Kogane stops in her tracks.

"Yeah? What?" her smile faltered.

"..We'll walk you there." he said with a sheepish smile.

Kogane paused for a second, looking at Deuce with her sharp golden eyes.

"...Sure, why not." she shrugged, before turning around and starting to walk again, expecting them to follow.

Epel and Deuce let out their breath, sighing. At least she didn't suspect them of anything, right?

During the small walk there, Kogane seemed normal, not suspicious of anything. Ortho was quite silent, analyzing her.

Now, they were just in front of the door.

Deuce and Epel went quiet, Kogane opened the door and entered.

Just to be met with the sight of the lounge full decorated, and the boys in the middle of the room, Ace standing in front just to be noticeable with Grim on his shoulder.

"Happy birthday, Kogane!!" They all greeted, not so in unison, but whatever.

"..Pfft." her lips twitched.

She soon began to laugh, surprisingly enough to them, especially Ace who had his eyes wide. It was a genuine laugh, but somehow it felt like she was mocking them.

"..Huh?!" he blurted out, "Why the hell are you laughin' at us?!"

Ace was a little annoyed, but it all vanished away when he saw the genuine smile on her face and the way she laughed. It was the first time she ever laughed that much and that whole heartedly.

It seems he wasn't the only one thinking like this, as confused as were the others, they also found a sense of satisfaction in making her laugh like that.

After a couple of seconds, Kogane finally gained back her composure.

"Oh, fuck, guys that was so predictable." she snorted, her face full of smugness.

Okay, now they were annoyed.

"Wait— So you WERE making fun of us!" Ace pointed a finger at her in accusation.

"...Duh?" she frowned, before gaining a teasing expression.

"What, don't tell me you thought I was laughing out of joy or somethin'?" She let out a scoff.

"You know me better than that."

Ace was speechless, so she had known about this, and wasn't in the least surprised.

"So.. Uh.. How did ya figure it out?"

Kogane shrugged, "Did you really think I'd stay for a fucking hour with Crowley?"

Lilia's deep voice was heard with a chuckle, "Oh my, I had told you about this, hadn't I?"

Ace crossed his arms, a scowl on his face.

"Oh come on! This pigeon can't even be useful for distraction?!" he huffed.

"Well, he was useful for, what, 20 minutes? Then I couldn't handle it anymore and just.. left, y'know." she shrugged, pausing a little before starting again.

"Then, I wanted to go to the Mostro Lounge to drink something and annoy the hell out of Azul. Only to learn the octopus wasn't here! Neither the moray eels! How weird, wouldn't you agree?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Without letting them time to answer, she continued.

"I thought probably they went somewhere, y'know, but the other Octavinelle students were pretty secretive about where they were, so I had my doubts."

"I still wanted to go annoy someone, so I thought about going to Heartslabyul and maybe share a tea with y'all. To my biggest surprise, you weren't there either!" she couldn't help but emphasize most of her words, only to demonstrate how much all of them showing up at Ramschackle was ridiculous and a big mistake.

"Now then, I checked Savanaclaw, but no one was here, again. Scarabia empty. Pomefiore without their queen. Ignihyde's dorm leader out of the dorm for once. Diasomnia being silent and lacking a certain loud voice. I started to think you guys had hung out without me!" she sighed dramatically.

"I dragged my absolutely lonely ass back to Ramschackle, only to hear a fucking hubbub through the door." Kogane shot all of them a deadpan look.

"Not so discreet, if you ask me." she couldn't help but snort.

Ace scowl softened into a little bit of concern. "Wait so... You heard us?"

"Yeah? Why?" Kogane tilted her head.

"I couldn't tell what you were exactly saying tho. I just guessed it was about my birthday, I wasn't really sure until I hung out with Deuce, Epel and Ortho today."

"You're really good at hiding your suspicions, Prefect! I couldn't even tell you were doubting the reason of this hang out!" Ortho commented, a bit disappointed but also amazed.

Ace let out a relieved sigh when he heard that Kogane didn't understand their words. Truth is, he was scared she might have heard the teasing he constantly got about him liking her. He wasn't planning on confessing, it'd be lame if she figured it out just because she eavesdropped.

Fortunately for him, Kogane didn't question it more and just went to the table where were the snacks and cakes.

" 'Nyways, I still wanna enjoy this party!" she grabbed a bowl of snacks before shoving one into her mouth.

"Myaha! That's the spirit!" Grim jumped on her shoulder, grabbing a snack too with his paws.

And so, the birthday party finally started.

During the rest of the afternoon, the group enjoyed the food and the video games Idia brought. Later in the evening, around 10pm, hey decided to show their gifts. After giving their collective gift to Kogane, she played a song that she learnt when she was little.

Then, the solo gifts.

Idia's gift was a figurine from a gacha game they both played, her favorite character.

Cater's gift was a photo album of different photos and selfies he took during the year with Kogane or just the others. He said it was for memories.

Floyd also offered something, and it's not a rock or anything useless like anyone would expect! It was a blue glaucus stuffed animal. She laughed a little discovering it, but it was really cute so she didn't complain.

As expected, Vil gave her makeup things and skincare things.

Kalim, being the rich person he is, gifted her a gold shiny bracelet. Jamil added he had to held him back from giving something too extravagant.

Leona, yes the lazy lion, got her a traditionnal hairpin from Sunset Savanna.

Lastly, Kogane got a letter from Malleus, a simple letter but full with (platonic) love.

Ace? Well, he had nothing.

He felt a little insecure about it, he didn't think that many people would offer her something!

Really, it was lame not having a gift when he was the one who had the idea of organizing all of this. Deuce and Grim made sure to take him aside mention this to him, he was only met with a "Shaddup! I didn't ask for your opinion!" and a glare.

Back to the present, Kogane's hands were full of gifts.

"Wow, well, guys, I'm goin' upstairs in my room to empty my hands." she spoke before heading to the stairs, alone.

It seems an idea popped in all their heads.

Cater and Trey, who were the closest to Ace, shared a mischevious glance, grinned and then pushed Ace towards Kogane, muttering to him "It's your chance!"

"Ha? H-Hey!" he tried to protest, but seeing all the things in her hands couldn't help but make him want to help her. Ortho pushed him too, he huffed before catching up with her.

"Hey, dumbass, you're gonna make them fall!" he flashed her a teasing grin before relieving her hands and taking a few things.

"Oh, shut it." she simply retorted with a playful eye roll.

They went to her room in silence, the noise fading away in the background.

Ace glanced at her a few times, she looked a little tired with those dark circles under her eyes. But aside from that, he was sure there was something on her mind.

He forced a smile on his face and teased her again, "What? Already tired?" he snorted.

"Nah, I can stay up for a few hours longer." she said before glancing at him, "Though, I'm sure you'll end up falling asleep before me." she challenged. And Ace Trappola was no one to back down from a challenge.

"You're defying me?" he tilted his head with mock arrogance.

"Don't come cry when you'll end up passed out on the couch!" he stuck his tongue out playfully.

She opened the door and entered in the room, not bothering to turn the lights on, since the moon was already lightening the room.

"We'll see that."

He couldn't help but notice her answers were flat. Not the usual Kogane he knew.

They put her stuffs on the bed, and then Kogane glanced at the window.

"Oh, look, a full moon." she remarked absentmindly.

Ace stayed silent, observing her. He wanted to ask what was wrong, why was she acting like that, but the words were stuck in his throat.

"...My birthday is also the day my mom died. That's why I don't celebrate it usually." she blurted out of nowhere.

A few seconds passed, before Ace registered her words.

"..W-Wha—.. W-wait.. Why didn't you tell me?! I.. I wouldn't have planned all of this!"

"..Nah, it was cool." she turned to look at him, a genuine, yet sad smile on her face.

"I think she would like seeing me enjoying this day, even if it's a total different world, that I'll probably leave."

Ace was speechless, what was he supposed to answer? He wasn't the kind of guy to know how to comfort someone. So instead, he just looked down and clenched his fists.

They wanted him to confess his feelings? Funny. How is he supposed to do that now, after what she revealed?

Plus, did she have to mention the fact she'll go back home? He didn't want to think about this, not now. He was angry. Angry at himself for not knowing what to say. Angry at the universe because this party didn't go as he planned.

"Ace." Kogane called out.

"What?" his word left his throat sharper than he wanted.

"Thank you. Never in my life I've thought I'd have this much friends. Friends that are ready to do all of that for someone as mean as me." she laughed briefly. But Ace wasn't laughing.

"You're not!" he snapped, planting his gaze into hers.

"You're fucking cool! Not even once any of us thought of you as mean!" he took a step towards her.

"Sure, okay, you're the most big headed person I've met." he scoffed.

"You're smug, sly, even more than Azul some days, and I want to punch ya sometimes!"

"Ow, rude." she chuckled, before trying to change the topic.

"But anyways—"

"Don't anyways me!" he quickly cut her off.

"You're the one who started this conversation, so you'll listen!" he crossed his arms.

"Like I said, you're fucking insufferable, yeah."

He paused before speaking again, his voice had quieted down.

"But you're the only one who's willing to put up with my bullshits. Even when we do wrong things that we shouldn't be doin', it feels right because.. 'cause I'm doing it with you." he blurted out, his face flushing a little.

He rubbed his neck awkwardly, took a deep breath before continuing.

"Look.. I like—"

"Same." she interrupted.

"I feel the same, that's why I'm grateful to have made friends like y'all." she said almost too quickly, as if to prevent him from talking.

"I'm sure my dad'll enjoy hearing me talk about y'all when I'll be back." This gentle reminder about her leaving their world really stung. And Kogane always knew how to make words sting. Those words were aimed, on purpose.

So Ace looked at her, really looked at her.

And wow, he understood something.

She already knew.

Kogane wasn't dumb, neither was she dense or ignorant.

She figured out what Ace felt about her, he could tell she liked him too just the same.

And yet, she was rejecting him.

He noticed how distant she grew with everyone when they discovered she could possibly go back home with the mirror.

What was she trying to do? Made them feel less bad about her leaving their world? Bullshit.

They all knew it was too late, they grew too fond of her to let her go.

She knew that too, but she couldn't help and break their bonds before her departure breaks them first.

And now, as Ace looked at Kogane, he knew it was what she wanted.

To leave without being too attached to them. Without being in a relationship with him, without loving him too much.

It hurts. More than he'd like to admit.

"You.." Ace tried, but he couldn't say anything, his throat felt tight.

Kogane looked guilty, something people never thought she could feel. Of course, she didn't want to detach from the first friends she ever made, but it was better than waiting for her leaving to tear everyone apart.

"..Sorry, Ace." she managed to say before avoiding his gaze and heading towards the door.

He quickly followed, in silence that was uncharacteristic for him.

What they didn't know, is that when Ortho pushed Ace, he also installed a little microphone.

So they all heard it.

All of it.

And their smiles disappeared, because they understood too the meaning behind this discussion. It wasn't just a rejection towards Ace, it was Kogane putting up walls between them and her.

Fists clenched, shoulders tense. It all got brushed away when Kogane's steps were heard in the stairs. They began acting as if nothing happened, even if it didn't please some people. Like Leona or Idia, who didn't speak for the rest of the night. Or Floyd who looked awfully irritated, and Kalim who almost burst in tears when he saw Kogane again but held back when Jamil nudged him and silently threatened him not to do anything.

The party ended with everyone masking their bitterness and sadness. Even Grim had lost his appetite.

Later in the night, a storm had started outside.

A familiar feeling had washed over the heir of Briar Valley, the same one when he learnt that Lilia wouldn't live much longer and would go back to Briar Valley. First him, then Kogane going back to her world?

He wasn't going to let that happen.

Malleus will prevent them from being unhappy, no matter what he has to do.

And Ace? He tried to laugh it off, but once back in his room, he was broken.

If only Kogane could do however she pleases, if only she wasn't stuck making a choice between her friends and her father.

He spent the night spiraling about this.

Kogane, her, didn't sleep at all. Even with Grim subconsciously cuddling up at her sides, she felt empty as she zoned out staring at the cieling. The only thing that brought her back to reality was the feeling of her own tears strolling down her cheeks.

Here's the edit!!

Why is Kogane's hair becoming white??

That's top secret.

Thanks for reading 💕

I'm summoning you mootie @waitlexist ✌🏻‼️

Ugh im so stressed i swear the fic is so rushed but if i didn't finish it this week i would've procrastinated and ended it in 2 months 😭😭

(Typology nerd in coming)

Her mbti is ENTP. I feel like she generates a lot of ideas and thoughts, and from these thoughts she forms a precise idea. So Ne (extraverted intuition) being her dominant function. Ti just feels right for her. Enneagram is e7, with an e6 wing. Then for the tritype it'd be 7>4>1. The instincts are SP for the three. It's really at her lowest that she can become an sp1 tho, it's a more hidden side of her, but if she's really burned out and not alright sp1 just takes control.

Her relationship with Sebek is complicated. At first both of them despised each other, like REALLY. He said she was as snarky as a fox, she said he was loud and Malleus-centered. But during book 7, Kogane teased him a lot and found his reactions endearing, like teasing a little brother. He complained and told her to shut her mouth, but according to Silver he's just "happy to have friends." Kogane didn't buy it, she was not friends with him. Neither was he anyways. And yet, they spent a lot of time together through everyone's dreams and slowly got along. She understood his loyalty and fears, he saw through her snarky side and witnessed how worried she really was about everyone and Malleus. None of them said anything about it.

Kogane often forgets Leona is a prince. And honestly? He'll never admit it but it's refreshing to see someone who never brings up his status. Kogane doesn't even care about royalty stuff, wether it's Leona or Malleus. It's something both of them genuinely appreciates about her. She treats everyone the same. Means she's a sarcastic jerk with everyone lmao.

Genuinely worried about all the OB boys. I already said it in a post, but Kogane always checks up on them, not explicitly but she still tries.

Actually studies pretty hard. She wants to fit in and be able to be a part of Twisted Wonderland as long as she's here so she thinks having good grades will help her. But she also just seeks knowlegde. Trein and Crewel notice her efforts and she often ask them questions after classes and all.

Everyone enjoys having her around, and as much as she likes feeling like she "fits in", at the end of the day she always replays the same thoughts. "My place is not here." "I don't belong here." "I'll leave one day."

And that's why after book 6 she became distant. Emotionally closed off. Ace's dream affected her more than she'd like to admit. In a way that's so bittersweet, it made her fall in love even more with him, but it also reminded her the cold reality: this will end one day. ..Maybe?

When she's alone, a question often comes to her: "Would I really leave if I could?" And just asking to herself this question feels so wrong to her. How could she even question living her father behind in their world? It's not something she can choose anyway, she has to come back.

Angst aside! Her moles are something she's proud of. No one, not even herself, knows why. She just likes them.

Kogane and Ace are mutual pinning and strangers to bestfriends to lovers trope. Ace fell first and he fell harder. Don't get me wrong, Kogane loves him too, obviously, but Ace is down BAD. Like hopelessly in love. Like pure YEARNING everyday. He admitted his feelings to himself quite a long time ago (maybe after book 3 and during book 4). Kogane was more reluctant, she'll only admit it like... september-november of their 2nd year. Even though she fell after book 4 and during book 5.

During Playful Land, while she had got caught, Kogane almost got friends with Fellow. No jokes. Money IS something valuable! She understands he doesn't really care about random teenagers' lives if it's for money. She expressed it when she got caught and for a moment Fellow thought she faked empathy or something. It went like:

Cater: "Kogay, you're joking.. right?"

Kogane: "Huh? Nah, I'm being serious."

Everyone: "..." Except Jade and Floyd who have small grins forming on their faces.

Kogane: "What? Ruggie would've understood."

Floyd: "Right, Shark Sucker's your lost twin!"

Leona, who decides to play along: "Actually, if you put it that way, I can see where you're comin' from, you greedy herbivore."

Cater: "Huh?! Leona, you too?!"

Kogane: "Ah thank you! Crazy, actin' like I'm the one out of my mind."

Leona: "Heh. Are you sure ya wouldn't betray us if you were free right now?"

Kogane: "I meeaaaann...."

Everyone else: "KOGANE!!" While she just laughs along with Floyd. It lit up the mood, just a little.

Meanwhile Fellow pretends he didn't hear this disturbing conversation, but Gidel can barely hides his amusement.

She hates Crowley with a burning passion. Probably because something about him creeps her out so she hides it with a I-hate-him facade.

Kogane and Grim are always together, and when they're not they'll do anything to be. None of them admits it, but they're like family, even more than that. He's one of the reasons Kogane hesitates wether she really wants to leave or not, she really really cares about Grim. Grim might act all mighty too but he loves his minion <3

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆

What Grim didn't expect was Ace swapping their places in the middle of the night. Kogane obviously noticed he had slipped in the bed, she woke up instantly at the feeling of someone cuddling up to her.

But she let him be.

It's 7am and Ace Trappola is lying on his side, completely wide awake.

He had swept his arms around Kogane's waist when he lay next to her, but now she was lying on her back, crushing his arm. He couldn't feel it anymore, being completely numb.

Was he going to move? Absolutely not. It was the perfect scenario he could ask for. Their legs were tangled, his back was preventing the light to bother her face. So, if he moved right now, she was going to wake up. He didn't want that. Mainly for two reasons. She was going to be grumpy about being woken up and she would most likely pull away too.

Yeah, he didn't want that.

Not when her head was leaning against his shoulder like that. Not when his free hand and one of hers were interwined like that.

Ace Trappola was fighting against slumber.

He stayed still, watching her closely, not blinking, because what if he shut his eyes and fall asleep? He wants to keep looking at her. He's aware he's acting like a lovestruck fool, but he doesn't care, she already knows it anyways.

Ace was about to fall asleep when Kogane shifted in her sleep, before feeling his arm underneath her back and waking up.

"..Huh..? " she simply muttered, untangling her fingers of his and sitting up. She met his – now sheepish — gaze.

"..Were you really starin' at me? " she rubbed her eyes, keeping her voice low not to wake up the two others.

He smiled like an idiot, a smile she knew all too well.

"Me? Nah, I was about to fall asleep. " he answered with a soft chuckle, knowing he had been caught red handed.

Kogane couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips too.

"Yeah, sure.." she sighed and lay again beside him, crushing his arm again.

"Ow, hey, I was starting to feel my precious arm again! " he complained, dramatic as always.

"It was numb? " she lifted her body, only to shove his right arm away and above her pillow, muttering a sublte "dumbass."

"No need to be so rude, ya know? " Ace teased, because that's what he always did. "I just thought you were adorable sleeping peacefully and clinging onto me."

Kogane shot him a deadpan look, then punched lightly his shoulder.

"Shut up and go back to sleep, instead of spouting nonsense.." she yawned and cuddled up closer to him.

Ace felt warmth swelled through his chest, a bigger grin now on his face.

"What a violent girlfriend I got." Another snarky remark, but it was much more loving than any other ones.

A small smile spread on Kogane's face as her eyes fluttered shut. He brought her closer with his arm, resting his hand on her shoulder.

Right at this instant, Ace Trappola knew he had won in life. A victory greater than any games he won the previous night.

──── ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 ────