#wmu-asks

Jong-woo: Complains loudly at first, especially if he thinks the show is boring. "How many episodes is this? Be honest." Then the first dramatic reveal happens and his whole body angles toward the screen. "No, no, no, why would he say that? He ruined everything!" You forced him to watch it, but now you're not allowed to continue without him.

Kailee: Says she'll watch one episode. One. Mostly so you stop hovering with that hopeful look on your face. She sits down with a drink, fully prepared to judge it, and then immediately starts judging it too well. "She's lying. Look at her bag. That's not the same one from the last scene." She insists she doesn't like the show, but the way she's cuddled up beside you with her eyes glued to the screen says otherwise.

Kalea: Agrees even if she isn't interested because you seem excited, and she likes being included in things you care about. "Okay, but you have to explain who everyone is." She starts out confused, asks a lot of questions, and apologizes every time she talks over the dialogue. If she ends up liking it, it's probably because she imprinted on one side character with three lines and now needs to know if they survive.

Linden: Honest from the beginning. "I don't think I'm going to enjoy this." They still sit beside you, because you asked, and because they're not immune to how excited you are to share it. They make quiet comments under their breath, mostly little observations you can tell they meant to keep to themselves. Halfway through, they reach for the blanket without looking away from the screen. "Okay, I admit, it's pretty good...can you tell me more about that last scene?"

Lu: Starts complaining off the bat. "If this is terrible, I'm making you watch something worse after." They start out sprawled beside you, unimpressed. For the first episode, most of their commentary is just insults delivered into your shoulder. Then the plot takes one ugly little turn, and their mouth shuts. Five minutes later, they're reaching for the remote. If you make a comment, they roll their eyes, slightly smirking. "Don't be a dick--it only just got interesting."

Makai: Not hard to convince. He sits through the first episode with one arm along the back of the couch, giving you a look every time the show does something stupid, as if you were the one who approved the decision. "This what you do when I'm not around?" He says he's only watching because you asked. Then the credits roll and he reaches for the remote before you can. "...What? You picked it. I'm just seeing where it's going to go next..."

Marcel: Marcel starts heckling almost immediately. "This is what you wanted to show me? Mon chou, I'm worried about you." They are having a wonderful time being horrible about it. The problem is, they also love mess, secrets, bad decisions, and anyone entering a room with enough confidence to ruin multiple lives. By the second episode, they're leaning forward with their drink untouched. "Pause. I need to know why everyone in this show wants to be caught."

Misty: Agrees too easily, which should worry you. "Sure, babe. Put on your little show." She spends the first episode half-watching, stealing your snacks, asking questions that prove she missed the last ten minutes. If she likes it, she acts like she discovered it independently. "Okay, this is kinda good. Weird that you didn't tell me that part." You did. Three times.

Jong-woo: Your head hits his shoulder and he practically stops breathing. He has never been this still in his entire life. He looks down. You're gone. Full REM. He feels like he's been knighted. It physically pains him not to assault you with affection--to squish your cheeks and squeeze you against him with all the strength in his body. Eventually works up the courage to press the softest kiss to the top of your head, then continues vibrating internally for the next forty-five minutes about how cute you are.

Kailee: Slides an arm firmly around your waist so you don't slip. She's very content to have you here. Will happily stay pinned to the couch for the next three hours, scrolling her phone one-handed and feeling very smug about being the one you picked to pass out on. Definitely takes a couple of pictures for posterity.

Kalea: She doesn't breathe properly for the first thirty seconds, terrified she'll wake you. Slowly, very slowly, lowers her head to rest her cheek against your head. She carefully slots her fingers between yours. "…You're so cute. It's unfair." She tugs the blanket up over both of you and resolves to stay exactly like this forever. Or until her leg falls asleep. It's gonna be the leg.

Linden: They were mid-thought when you went quiet. It takes a second to notice, then they look down, and the corners of their mouth lift. Carefully sets their mug aside. Pulls the throw off the back of the couch and drapes it over your legs. Their hand comes to rest on your back. They'll stay like that as long as you need, tracing absent shapes between your shoulder blades.

Luca/Lucia: Glances down, their brow lifting. They could get up and slide you onto a pillow instead. They're not going to. Their hand finds your head almost absently. They gently stroke your neck, adjusting slightly when it looks like you're uncomfortable. If someone wanders by to comment, Lu cuts them off with a single look. They lean back into the cushions, and will later pretend this didn't do something to them (it did)

Makai: He was reading when he realizes you've gone slack against him. He marks his page, sets the book down, and doesn't move otherwise. His hand finds the small of your back and starts tracing slow circles. Once he's sure you're fully out, he leans down and presses a long, slow kiss to your temple. Picks up his book again with his free hand. Isn't going anywhere.

Marcel: You trust them enough to pass out on them? Unprotected? In broad daylight? "Mon cœur…" they breathe, half-amused, half-something they'd rather not examine too closely. Brushes your cheek with a surprising amount of care. Doesn't move. If anyone so much as coughs in your vicinity, they will be shushed with the full force of Marcel Toussaint. Later they'll tease you about drooling on their shirt. For now, though, they just watch you sleep.

Misty: Looks down and lets out one quiet laugh. She drapes a leg over the armrest, shifts the pillow behind her, and is asleep with you within ten minutes in a position her chiropractor is going to have things to say about later. Worth it.

Kailee: Hugs you first, long enough to let you sag into her. Then she pulls back, looks at your face, and decides you need something. Water, tea, your favorite drink, a snack, something warm. She brings it back and sits beside you, close enough for your shoulders to touch. "Start from the beginning," she says, already annoyed at whoever upset you.

Kalea: Worries immediately. You collapse into her and she freezes for half a second before wrapping both arms around you. "Oh no. What happened?" Her voice goes soft, her hand rubbing carefully over your back. She might not know how to fix it, but she's very good at making you feel like you don't have to carry it alone.

Linden: They hold you for a while first, giving you space to breathe before asking anything. Then they tuck you into their side and say, "What do you need right now? Comfort, advice, distraction, silence?" Whatever you choose, they follow through.

Lu: Lets you rest back against them, arms loosely wrapping around your middle. Their chin tips near your shoulder while you complain, expression darkening at all the correct points. They don't do empty reassurance. They listen, judge everyone involved, and co-sign your frustration. "No, you're right. That was idiotic."

Makai: Doesn't say much at first. He just curls his arms around you and lets you stand there, breathing against him until some of the tension leaves your body. Then he presses a kiss to the side of your head and mutters, "Bad day?" If you nod, he runs you a bath, gets you something comfortable to wear, and climbs in behind you if you want him there.

Marcel: Immediately wraps you up and makes a scandalized noise. Their first instinct is distraction: kissing, touching, dragging you to bed if that's what you want. If you're not in the mood, that's fine too. They'll pour drinks, pull you onto the couch, and host an extremely committed shit-talking session. "Who do I have to hate? Names, mon coeur. I need names."

Misty: Pulls you into a hug, gives you a second to breathe, then starts trying to make you laugh. She just knows sometimes you need someone to make the day feel less heavy. "Okay," she says, rubbing your back. "Do we need food, a walk, or should I start insulting people I've never met?"

Jong-woo: "Wait! People keep buying me drinks too!" He holds up his drinks. You hold up yours. "People are so nice here!" You clink glasses. It's a few minutes before either of you puts it together. "Wait." "Hold on." "Were they--" "Oh no." You stare at each other. He wraps his arms around you, pulling you close. "We should…probably sit like this." "Yeah. Definitely." You deserve each other.

Kalea: "Oh, that's so nice of--wait." She looks at the drinks. Looks at you. Looks at the people watching from across the bar. "Um. I don't think those were free." You finally catch on and her face softens. "It's okay! It's actually kind of sweet? That you didn't notice?" She takes your hand. "But maybe stay close to me now."

Kailee: Raises an eyebrow, scanning the room. "Generous. Share." She's already noted everyone who bought you a drink. "You really walked over here with five drinks from five different people and thought it was charity?" She's smiling though. "Sit down before you accidentally start a bidding war."

Linden: Looks at the drinks. Looks at you with a slow smile. "You know what's happening here, right?" You clearly do not. "Those people were flirting with you." They seem more amused than anything. "It's alright. I'm not worried." They take your hand, thumb brushing your knuckles. "You always come back to me."

Lu: "No." "What?" "Put those down." You're confused. They're not. "Those are 'I'm trying to take you home' drinks. And you just waltzed over here like a golden retriever with a pile of tennis balls." They pull you closer, one hand on your waist, glaring at whoever's watching. "Drink your free drinks. Next to me. Where you belong."

Makai: Pauses. Counts the drinks. Counts them again. "You know those people were hitting on you, right?" When you genuinely don't follow, he exhales a laugh. "Of course you don't." He shakes his head, fond. "Come here. Sit. I'm not letting you out of my sight...you'll probably come back engaged next time."

Marcel: "FIVE? Mon cœur, this is incredible. You're a natural." You're confused. "At what?" "At being irresistible without even trying!" They gesture toward the bar. "Go back. See if you can get snacks too." "What? Why are people buying me things?" "Don't ask questions. Just harvest. I'll be here right here."

Misty: Bursts out laughing. "BABE. Those people were trying to get with you!" She's wheezing. "You just--five drinks--and you thought--" She can't finish. Takes a breath. "Oh my god. You're so cute. You're so dumb. I love you. Sit down, you're done for tonight."

Kailee: Freezes for 1.5 seconds then her signature smile appears. "Oh, hi! You must be MC's parents, I've heard so much about you!" She's holding a throw pillow in front of herself like it's a completely normal thing she carries around. She will not acknowledge this moment ever again. If you bring it up she will look at you like you have lost your mind.

Kalea: Turns into a statue. A very pretty, very horrified statue. She makes eye contact with you, then your parents, then the floor, then possibly the afterlife. "I'm so sorry--I'll just--" she squeaks, walking away quickly in the opposite direction. Won't re-emerge for a long while.

Lu: Smiles like this is a mild inconvenience and not a personal catastrophe. They pick up a robe, slip into it with infuriating grace, and offer your parents a polite nod. "Apologies. I was expecting a smaller audience."

Makai: His entire body shuts down. He is standing there. He is not speaking. He is not moving. The lights are on but Makai has temporarily vacated the premises. "Morning," he says, despite it not being morning. Walks backward into the nearest room, which happens to be the hallway closet and closes the door.

Marcel: Takes one breath. Squares their shoulders. Gives your parents a slow, elegant bow. "Bonsoir. A pleasure, truly." They turn to you with a smile so bright it borders on threatening. "Give me one moment, mon cœur, and then we'll start the festivities, yes?" They disappear into the bedroom, return fully dressed, pour everyone drinks, and host the rest of the evening with charm and absolutely no acknowledgment of what just happened.

Misty: Looks down at herself. Laughs. Can't help it. Immediately covers her mouth, grabs the nearest blanket, keeps laughing. "Oh god, super bad timing--I'm--hi, I'm Misty, I'm so sorry, this is so weird. MC, why didn't you call--" She's still laughing.

Dmitry: Dmitry absolutely forgets what he's doing. Someone is talking to him, he's nodding along, and then you walk in and his attention is gone. His face gives him away immediately: surprise first, then a helpless, disbelieving smile. When you reach him, he exhales a quiet laugh and says, "Wow," which is not his smoothest moment, but it is honest. Then he notices other people looking and steps a little closer, lowering his voice to tell you, "You look--" He laughs, a little flustered. "I don't think I have the right word. Nothing feels good enough. I'm just really glad you're here."

Jong-woo: Jong-woo has no chance of being subtle. He sees you, lights up, and immediately meets you halfway because waiting for you to cross the ballroom is impossible. He takes both of your hands, looks you over, and forgets what he wanted to say. "You're--you're--wow." If people are staring, Jong-woo notices and only makes it worse by beaming with pride before blurting out, "Yeah, they're with me. They're perfect, right?" and then getting embarrassed by his own public enthusiasm.

Kailee: Kailee spots you from across the room and her whole expression sharpens with interest. She's proud and maybe a little too pleased by the fact that everyone else noticed too. When you reach her, she fixes your collar or sleeve even if nothing is out of place, letting her fingers linger. "Someone wanted attention tonight." She looks you over slowly. If you tell her you wanted to surprise her, her smile warms before she covers it with, "Mm-hmmm. Consider me surprised."

Kalea: She sees you, realizes you dressed up for her, and visibly tries to remember how words work. When you get close, she laughs nervously into her hand and admits, "Sorry. I'm staring. I know I'm staring. You just look...amazing...not that you don't look amazing all the time! Just this time you look--" If other people are looking too, Kalea gets flustered all over again, but she still reaches for your hand and murmurs, "Is it weird that I'm proud?"

Linden: Linden notices the effort before anything else. Yes, you look good, but what really gets them is that you came to this formal event, dressed outside your usual comfort zone, because you wanted to surprise them. Their expression softens immediately, and when you approach, Linden gives you a sincere, appreciative smile. "You look wonderful." They offer you their arm and don't mind if anyone's staring--you're with them.

Lu: Lu stops mid-sentence when they see you. Not subtly, either; whoever they were talking to probably has to repeat their name. Then they're crossing the room to get to you before you can get to them. When they reach you, they take your hand, look you over, and say, "You clean up pretty nicely, gorgeous. Get over here before someone tries to scoop you up." They love the fact that people are staring, right up until someone looks a little too long, at which point Lu glares at them, hand possessively settling at your waist.

Makai: Makai notices you, then looks away almost immediately, because looking directly at you in public suddenly feels like too much. He keeps his expression neutral for as long as he can, but when you reach him, his eyes drop over your outfit once. "Why'd you change?" He instantly realizes how that sounds and scrambles. "No--no. You look--amazing." If you tease him for that being all he has to say, he glances at the room, sees people staring, and his jaw tightens. He takes your hand and pulls you closer. "Give me a second to be annoyed that I'm sharing you with this entire room..."

Marcel: Marcel sees you and immediately abandons whatever conversation they were pretending to care about. They take your hand and give you a twirl, eyes bright with delight. "Who gave you the right to look so perfect, hm?" Marcel gestures at you from head to toe. "Incredible. Beautiful. Gorgeous. Unreal. Mine." If people are staring, Marcel only laughs and offers you their arm. "You have admirers, mon coeur. Better to stay close tonight."

Misty: Misty sees you from across the room and gives a low whistle, not loud enough to cause a scene, but definitely loud enough for you to hear. When you reach her, she looks you over with lifted brows and says, "Who are you and what did you do with MC? Kidding. You look great!" She notices people staring, glances around once, and grins like the whole thing is more funny than threatening. "You're gonna cause an accident looking that good." Then she leans back and lets you enjoy it, because as far as Misty's concerned, it's a good problem.

Dmitry

"I can't go swimming. I'm allergic to water."

Dmitry pauses, "…Allergic."

"Terribly."

"To water."

"Yes."

He stares at them for a second, then smiles. "That's very serious. How have you survived this long?"

"Spite."

He'll play a long for little, but he's also the kind of person to check if there's an actual reason MC doesn't want to swim.

Jong-woo

"I have to take my fish on a walk."

Jong-woo gasps. "Without a leash?"

MC nods gravely. "Yes, but he's well-trained."

"Oh. Okay. Tell him I said hi."

Two hours later, he's asking if the fish enjoyed the walk and whether he's more of a park fish or a beach fish.

Kailee

"I can't help. I'm legally dead."

Kailee looks at them. "How unfortunate. I'll have the paperwork sent to your next of kin."

"Thank you."

"And since you're dead, I assume you won't need dessert."

MC immediately sits up. "Wait."

Kailee smiles sweetly. "Look at that. It's a miracle."

Kalea

"The sun and I are fighting."

Kalea's eyes go huge. "Oh no. What happened?"

"It knows what it did."

She nods, very solemn. "Do you need me to talk to it?"

"Yes."

Kalea walks to the window, points at the sky, and says, "Apologize, please."

Linden

"I'm taking my fish on a walk."

Linden looks from them to their empty hands. "Is the fish invisible?"

"Yes."

They nod. "Then you should be careful. People might step on it."

MC pauses.

Linden's expression is perfectly calm.

Somehow MC is the one who feels outplayed.

Lu

"I can't do the dishes. I'm allergic to responsibility."

Lu doesn't blink. "Tragic."

"Thank you for understanding."

"I don't."

"Come on, it's a serious condition."

Lu steps closer, drops a dish towel onto MC's head, and says, "My condolences. The dishes remain unconvinced."

They will not encourage this unless it benefits them. Unfortunately, they also think it's a little funny, which means MC is never fully discouraged.

Makai

"I can't come over there. The floor is lava."

Makai stops walking.

He looks down.

Then, very seriously, steps onto a chair.

MC lights up. "You believe me?"

"No..." he says, already reaching for the next chair. "But...I wanna be closer so...I'll play along."

Marcel

"I've been banned from the sun."

Marcel turns slowly.

"Banned?"

MC nods gravely. "Indefinitely."

"From the sun?"

"Horrible, I know."

Marcel presses a hand to their chest, scandalized. "And you were going to let me walk outside alone? In the arms of your enemy?"

"I'm sorry. I really didn't want to involve you."

"Too late. I'm involved. I'm emotionally implicated."

MC fights a smile.

Marcel grabs their sunglasses and puts them on with great ceremony. "We go together. If the sun hates you, it can speak to me first."

Misty

"Did you know I was cursed by a wizard?"

Misty shakes her head. "Skill issue."

MC gasps. "You don't care?"

"You got cursed. That's totally on you."

"The wizard was very powerful."

She laughs. "I don't know! Fight different wizards!"

Santi

"I can't come to bed. I've been chosen by the couch."

Santi stops in the doorway. Their eyes move to the couch. "…Chosen?"

MC nods solemnly. "It's serious."

Santi exhales, wounded. "I see."

"Santi--"

"I didn't realize I had competition." They look at the couch again, deeply betrayed.

MC bites their lip.

Santi steps closer to the couch. "What does it have that I don't?"

"Throw pillows?"

Their gaze sharpens. "Low blow."

Then, after a moment, they roll up their sleeves.

MC sits up. "What are you doing?"

"Fighting for my partner."

"Santi, it's furniture."