witch in wonderland

Ace didn't waste time. With a shrug and a confident smirk, he grabbed the brooch—it was a violet crystal encased in a metal structure that vaguely resembled twisted roots. "Perfect. He deserves something quite ridiculous, doesn't he?"

After a generous payment, they left the shop without much hurry. As they crossed the town gate, the atmosphere of the village seemed normal…until they spotted the prefect standing near a fountain, talking to a young man with refined features and clothes that didn't look cheap at all.

"Who’s the guy she's laughing so much with?" Jack asked, frowning.

"That's the prince from the Scalding Sands!" Grim grumbled. "I've seen him before! When we were hanging out with Jamil!"

"I thought Kalim was the prince…" Deuce scratched his head.

"What is a guy from RSA doing here?" Epel blinked. "As if the idiots from our own school weren't enough…"

They approached discreetly, but Ace’s goal shifted instantly.

He was no longer interested in Azul. The sight of Minajael—so polished, so perfect, and so inconvenient—was the new target of his disdain. "These playboys…"

"Hey! Prefect!" Ace called out, forcing a radiant smile.

She turned, surprised. "Ace? What are you guys doing here?" She blinked, looking down to see Grim rubbing his head against her leg.

"We were just nearby, taking care of some... business," Jack replied, trying to reprimand Ace with a look, but the redhead was already invading the personal space between them and Minajael.

He stopped next to the prince, giving an exaggerated pat on the RSA boy's shoulder, as if they were old friends. "So, the new guy in town, huh?"

"I’ve been here longer than you," Minajael arched an eyebrow but kept a polite posture, as he was an acquaintance of the prefect. "You must be one of the prefect's classmates..."

As Minajael turned to greet him, Ace slid his hand behind the prince's shoulder, the brooch hidden in his palm, ready to attach it. "Classmates? Is that what they said? How modest, we’re best friends, you know?"

It was a quick, practiced movement, but the moment Ace's fingers touched the fabric of Minajael's coat, the brooch gave a metallic click, the pin piercing them both somehow.

Minajael jumped, and the redhead let out a shout of surprise, his finger hurting, trying to pull the brooch off, but it was magnetically stuck to both of them, pulling them closer together.

"What the—?!" Minajael exclaimed, losing his royal composure as a thick, purplish smoke began to emanate from where the brooch was stuck.

"Ace, you idiot, what did you do?!" Deuce screamed, lunging forward, but the flash of light blinded the group. When their vision returned to normal, they were left speechless.

On the ground, where the elegant RSA prince had been, there was now a small Bengal tiger, the size of a large cat. The animal growled, looking up and then down, its paws patting the stone ground in agitation.

Beside him, however, the animal was… less majestic. A small frog, skinny like a toad and reddish in color. He looked at his own little paws, then opened his mouth to squawk.

The animal jumped clumsily toward the Prefect, who recoiled, almost kicking it in fear if not for Deuce stopping them.

Minajael didn't seem confused by his new form; he looked irritated. He fixed his brownish eyes on the reddish frog, and with a spring, pounced on him. Epel tried to hold him back, almost tripping over his own shoes.

Ace kept jumping away, trying to dodge, and emitting sounds that sounded more like screams than croaks. He jumped clumsily onto his friend's legs, and the prefect yelled, "Get off! Get off!" They swatted him away, throwing him back onto the ground.

"I hope he actually eats that idiot for doing something so dumb!" Grim ran in circles, trying to grab the tiger's tail, but Minajael was too fast, ignoring everyone and focusing solely on hunting the amphibian.

After a few minutes of a humiliating chase, they managed to contain the two. Minajael was huffing, trapped inside a reinforced basket that Epel had grabbed from a nearby stall, while Ace was contained inside a glass jar.

"Now what?" Deuce asked, sweating cold. "If the headmaster finds out about this... I can't get expelled because of this idiot..."

"And again, I have to fix your messes," the prefect said, wiping the sweat from their forehead with an expression of pure frustration and anger directed straight at the glass where the frog was.

"I'm really sorry, it was an emergency," the prefect rubbed their temples, taking a deep breath to avoid picking up one of the trays and burying their friend's face in it.

Azul laughed, observing the brooch. "Don't worry, we're good friends, aren't we? It's only natural for me to lend a hand when you need it."

After returning to normal, Ace swore it was just a toy meant for pranks.

"We just wanted to test the toy! Nobody knew it would go wrong!" He had sputtered.

Azul pretended to believe him. He knew exactly that it wasn't a simple store trinket, but he had no intention of telling the prefect. If he could keep the item and still keep the group in his debt for "solving" the problem, it would be the perfect deal.

"I'm glad it didn't turn into a bigger scandal, it's good that you chose to trust me over Headmaster Crowley,” Azul sighed, closing his hand over the brooch and hiding it in his sleeve. "Imagine the disaster: an expulsion and a diplomatic incident on top of it."

The door to Azul's office closed with a metallic click, echoing through the empty hall of the Mostro Lounge.

The group stared at her apprehensively, Deuce being the first to break the silence with his voice choked by anxiety. "So?"

Grim, who was balanced on Jack's shoulder, was visibly trembling. "Did he ask for a lot? That octopus doesn't do anything for free, you know that! Damn, this is what happens when you trust Ace!"

The prefect stopped walking and sighed. "It's all resolved, I talked to Minajael before he left."

"Thank the Seven," Epel exhaled in relief.

"But what about Azul?" Jack insisted, taking a step forward, his expression serious. "Did he accept the brooch as payment? What did he ask for in exchange for solving this whole mess?"

She shrugged, starting to walk toward the exit of the establishment without giving room for more questions. "Azul has his methods, and I have mine. The matter is closed. I don't want to hear another word about what happened; it will be worse if it reaches Crowley."

"Hey, wait a minute!" Ace tried to protest. "We were just playing around! No need to be like that—"

"We!?" The rest screamed in unison.

Despite your desperate efforts to reject his help, Kalim is determined to get you to confess to Jamil. At least you distracted him enough so that you didn’t have to confess on the spot. However, he’s quite intent on planning your “perfect” confession To Jamil…which has led you to countless practice confessions with Kalim the following week. 

Things were going scarily well, and you’re now just working up the courage to actually say the words to Jamil. With Kalim, however, some things can never go too right without any consequences…

You currently sit in Kalim’s dorm room across from the boy, reciting your confession to him. It’s about noon, and the both of you haven't had lunch. Oh dear…

Gingerly holding a tray of snacks for you and holding Kalim’s lunch in the other, Jamil makes his way up to the dorm rooms to feed you two. What he doesn’t expect is the hushed tones he hears from you and Kalim behind the door, and his heart twinges with a little fit of jealousy–not that he’d admit it to himself.

But what really takes hold of his heart is when he can make out your next words, “I’ve loved you for a long time. Please accept my feelings!” Startled, he almost drops the treats from his hands. 

All this time, you assumed that you were far from Jamil’s league. Though he may seem annoyed, he always takes you through problems you can’t get into your head, no matter how many times it may take. Even if he doesn’t want to stand out, you feel your heart flutter watching him in his games when he’s in the zone. You’ve always kept your feelings to yourself, and you made an effort to never show it. You’d wanted nothing more than to be able to call yourself his, and him yours. 

What you didn’t know was that Jamil had that same longing for you, if not stronger. 

But now it’s all ruined. (Or so he thinks).

Because of course you’d pick Kalim over him. It’s been that way since he was a child–it was quite literally in his blood to put his desires below an Asim. 

And so he blankly knocks on the door, and walks in like nothing happened. Despite how Scarabia’s dorm is usually hot and humid, the room’s atmosphere drops to subzero. 

Even Kalim understands the grave situation, and attempts to gracefully amend it. 

Clawing at Jamil’s pants, he shrieks, “JAMIL! WAIT!! DON’T LEAVE!!! THE PREFECT HAS SOMETHING TO SAY TO Y–”

Despite his gallant efforts, the vice-housewarden simply places down the tray he brought in, peels Kalim off his person, and politely nods to the wide-eyed you before leaving the room. 

How were you going to get over this?

Over the next few days, your attempts at reconciling with Jamil are cute at most. Or rather…you aren’t given the chance to do so in the first place. 

Before class starts, Jamil intentionally enters at the last minute so that he can get the seat farthest away from you. 

Rushing over to the classroom, you promptly set aside your bag to the seat next to you to save it for Jamil. After a few minutes, a string of students come along and take their seats as well–Jamil usually included. But for some reason, he enters unusually late, taking the seat closest to the door despite you waving in his direction. He definitely saw you, by the way. Ace even made fun of you for being ignored, making a few students snicker at the situation. 

When by some miracle that the both of you are paired up for alchemy class, he perfectly takes control of the vibe and conversation so that the two of you strictly converse about the lesson at hand. 

“Jamil, I–”

“Prefect, please continue stirring the pot, we can’t mess up the potion when we’re almost done.”

“Okay, okay. Can I just talk to you about last ti–”

“You can talk to me later, we have to get this potion to Crewel.” 

Later never came, because the minute you finished your work, Jamil blasted off the classroom claiming he needed to tend to Kalim’s lunch (which is a complete lie, of course, because he always prepares it the night before. In the past, he’d make one for you too.)

But you guessed you wouldn't be getting his cooking this time–even eating with Kalim during lunch doesn’t work. He perfectly times his meals so that when you approach the two of them at their table, he’s just about finished eating (can he sense you coming their way or something?!)

Despite your efforts to get closer to Jamil, it only feels like he’s getting farther and farther away from you. Is this his way of letting you down? You suppose it’d be easier for him to straight up ignore the fact that you were practicing your confession to him as a way to quietly reject your feelings…

But that doesn’t feel right either, because you were 99.67% sure that he liked you back. For starters, he’d bring you home cooked lunch every week, walk you back to your dorm, help you study for tests even when it cost him his rare downtime…he even gave you his jersey to wear to his games! You were literally just waiting for a confession at this point! 

Feeling responsible for making you and Jamil grow apart, Kalim resorted to plotting with Grim to get the both of you to talk…

“Hey, Henchman, Ace told me to meet you at the lockers after practice, he said he had something to give to ya.” 

“Ooh Jamil!! Can you teach me basketball? I’ll meet you at the court later, see ya!” 

With a sigh, the both of you head over to the court…Jamil visibly freezing when he sees you. Before he could turn away, you quickly grip his wrist. 

“Prefect, let go.” He tried to wiggle his hand away from your grasp, but he doesn’t have the heart to fully shake it off. 

“Jamil, please, I’ve been trying to talk to you all week! Meeting you here may have been a coincidence, but I think it’s time I finally clear things up…”

“What is there to clear up? This is hardly appropriate, considering how you’re together with Kalim now. Let go of my hand.” Jamil’s icy tone is betrayed by the look of hurt he’s wearing on his face. On the other hand, a hundred question marks are flying around your head. Since when were you dating Kalim??

“What?? What are you on about?” You let go of his hand, but step forward to face him clearly and place them on his shoulders. Consequently, he searches your eyes for any hint of trickery—he knows what he heard the other day, after all. 

Then, you both speak at the same time: 

“Jamil, I like you!!” 

“Prefect, please stay away from me.” For Kalim’s and my family’s sake.

… 

A silence envelops the two of you, processing one another’s words. Slowly, Jamil takes your arms into his and leans his head against your shoulder. His grip on you is heavy, but it doesn’t hurt—it just tells you how much he’s been holding back the past week. 

“Are you sure?” Facing you, he mutters, “Tell me I heard that right.” 

“It’s kind of embarrassing…but Kalim was helping me prepare my confession for you,” you gently held the sleeve of his uniform, avoiding his gaze, “I was really hurt when you avoided me the whole week, I thought you were silently letting me down…” 

Internally, Jamil gave himself a slap to the face. He prided himself on being able to easily read into people’s thoughts and actions, but it seems he turns blindsided when it comes to the girl he loves…

“I can’t believe I almost lost you to my stupid conclusion…” he takes your hand in his and lets out a shaky breath, “I’m sorry, Prefect.” 

“That’s right. You didn’t even let me use the confession I spent weeks practicing for!” 

Chuckling, he lets out a relieved sigh now that you’re able to joke with him, “Well, you can say it now if you like.”

“Now you’re just putting me on the spot. Maybe tomorrow…” 

“Hm? So you can practice it with Kalim first?” 

You give him a look, and instead pull him into a big hug in response, “For the record, I’m still the one who confessed first. Are you planning on leaving me hanging?” 

“Hmph. Fair enough,” he reaches out to cup your face, intense eyes meeting yours, “I like you too, Prefect.” 

Extra: 

Too in love and focused on each other, you and Jamil fail to notice the small crowd that formed outside the court doors. 

“TAKE THAT KALIM!! I TOLD YA THE PREFECT WOULD CONFESS FIRST. PAY UP.” 

He was close to telling you that too, yet he couldn't form the words. When you look at him so intently, all those years of building this perfectly calm composure suddenly disappear in his mind. All he can think about is the way you make him feel so safe. So okay with just existing, separate from some specific reason or purpose.

Instead, he stays silent.

"Hello? Jamil?"

Not a single word escapes his lips.

"Uhh, are you there?"

You're half convinced he barely registered your presence at all with how quiet he was. "Alright. Whatever. I'll see you later tonight, yeah?"

He watches you walk away, admiring the way you walk without fear of being yourself. It was one of the things he envied yet loved the most about you. To have the privilege to be yourself and express it in a way that isn't obnoxious, Kalim, yet special nonetheless was so beautiful to him.

It also made him realize how down bad he was. Pinning over the way you walked? He's better than that... at least he hopes he is.

With a sigh, he swears he'll tell you the many words that spawn in his mind at the sight of you another day. Another day, he'll tell you how breath-taking you are when you laugh. Another day, he'll talk your ear off about the way you smile at him. Another day, he'll let you know that you curate feelings within him that he swore he was incapable of experiencing. Another day...

It's always another day. The courage to tell you everything never comes. His fear takes over. Not just fear of rejection, but fear of the possibilities. Fear that he'd hold you back. Fear that he'd never be enough. Fear that he'd corrupt your very being.

It's this fear that drives the wedge between the two of you. Jamil is dreadfully self aware of this as he watches you stand alone on the balcony of Scarabia, awaiting his company. The moonlight frames your silhouette, making you glow, even more so than usual, in his eyes. He doesn't know how long you've been there, waiting. Waiting on him. On his words, his presence.

He doesn't have the heart to face you.

You're left alone as he escapes into the safety of his room, his mind fixated on how beautiful the golden cuff looked on your arm. His golden cuff.

The warmth of your two bodies pressed together, the rhythm of your heartbeat helping to slow his down, and your cute little snores.

Nowadays, whenever you don’t cuddle up to him at night, he assumes you’re upset or he’s done something wrong.

Leona

Lions naturally sleep in piles, so it wouldn’t be far off for lion beastfolk to fall asleep cuddling one another.

In fact, it was Leona who rolled over on top of you one day, then you just snuggled in, and it’s been that way ever since.

Leona does notice after a while that you prefer holding onto him and cuddling, rather than him sleeping on top of you, so he pays more attention.

He’ll pull you in rather than rolling onto you, or just placing you on top of him, he’ll just wrap an arm around your waist and let you do what you want.

Once Leona gets used to you cuddling him, he’s going to expect cuddles every night, so you should warn him in advance before you get in bed.

If not, he’s just gonna snuggle up to you, and pull you close like he always does.

Azul

Like Riddle, Azul finds it unacceptable when you suddenly get into his personal space at first. But unlike Riddle, he immediately takes it as a sign that you’re comfortable with him.

He also goes stiff the first few times you roll on top of him, or squeeze him tight in your sleep. Not because he’s uncomfortable, but because he doesn’t want to disturb you.

It means so much to him that you’re comfortable enough to be so close to him while being in your most vulnerable state, and he doesn’t want to ruin anything.

Azul slowly starts to get used to it, and you notice that he’ll cling onto you too, though it hard to tell if it because he loves you so much, or it’s just instinct from being an octomer.

Either way, you two become so used to each other’s body heat, that whenever you’re not near each other, it’s freezing.

Jamil

Jamil finds it odd at first, but takes it as a sign of trust and show of further your relationship, and just cuddles you back after a while.

It does get hot in Scarabia, so sometimes he’ll slide you off without waking you up somehow, so you’ll open your eyes the next morning and notice you’re separated.

When Jamil doesn’t end up sliding you off, he’ll wrap an arm around you tightly in an almost vice grip, as if someone was going to steal you.

You’re the first person he’s ever shared his heart with, and he wants to be the only one, so if cuddling makes you happy, so be it, it makes him happy too.

If you really are bothered by getting slid off sometimes, he’ll compromise by holding your hand, so you won’t be completely apart.

Vil

Vil almost thought you had lost your mind the first time you snuggle your way into his personal space. Why you go and ruin his beauty sleep?? You know the oils from your face are gonna-…

“Wait, couples actually do this outside of tv…”, he thinks as he looks down at your peaceful face.

It takes a while for Vil to get used to, but the number one rule is that you CANNOT press your cheek against his.

Even if he has you on the same impeccable skincare routine as his, he doesn’t want to risk any drool, he’d rather you drool on his pajamas top if either of you can help it.

Eventually, Vil will welcome your cuddles with open arms, and even be excited for them as they’ll start being his most favorite part of the day.

Idia

Idia audibly gasps the first time, and probably the next couple time you wrap your arms around him in your sleep. He doesn’t even think he’s worthy of being your ‘snuggle buddy’.

He unironically calls the two of you that now ever since he got used to you cuddling him, and he thinks of it as some kind of honor.

Idia already treats your hugs as some kind of power up, but you cuddling him in bed at night like he’s some romance manga protagonist? He treats it as a SSR legendary reward you can only earn at the highest possible level.

You better believe he’s never letting you go, you’re his ‘snuggle buddy’ now, no matter how cringe that sounds to you and him.

Since Idia spends so much time in his room, and you hang out there a lot, he won’t initiate it himself, but he’ll start subtly asking for cuddles all the time.

He’ll want you to snuggle up to him while he’s playing on his console, he’ll want you on his lap when he’s sitting his gaming chair, and he’ll want you to lay on top of him while you’re watching anime together.

You of course don’t mind at all, and you two become almost inseparable in the comfort of Idia’s room.

Malleus

Malleus thinks you rolling on top of him at night and hug him tight as just another one of your human customs, so he welcomes the gesture with open arms.

He loves getting to know you better and learning about the strange things humans do, so after a few nights of this, he’ll ask you directly why you cuddle him so tightly at night.

When you explain it’s a gesture of love and trust, Malleus is overjoyed that his child of man feels so close to him.

He quickly begins to cuddle you at night as well to show how much he loves and trust you back, he even curls around you slightly as if you’re a hoard of treasure, which to him, you are.

Malleus loves cuddling so much to the point where he’ll start doing it in public, he won’t care, and it’s not like anyone’s going to tell him to stop besides his more eccentric guard.

Whether you do or don’t like it, you’ll have to explain what PDA is, why other people could be uncomfortable by it, and whether or not you’re comfortable with it.

Riddle Rosehearts

when riddle kisses you, it’s a little clumsy, like he’s not used to it

he never does grow out of that awkward moment right before the kiss

you bump noses everytime → you both try to move the same way and laugh when it just keeps happening

he melts into kisses every. single. time. his hands always find your face after he finds his rhythm

he tastes like strawberry tart and lemon teas

he can never kiss you without turning bright red → he stutters over every word when you pull away

he will never ask you, nor will he initiate ← you will know his desire by the hand on your knuckles and the way his eyes follow your mouth when you speak to him, but nothing more will be spoken

read his cues. he will be endlessly grateful

as your relationship progresses, he will become more comfortable with initiating contact, so just be patient with him!

he will always kiss you goodnight, even if you’re angry, even if he’s angry. he wants you to know he loves you even in anger.

Trey Clover

trey kisses you deliberately, half teasing half loving

this is never a quick endeavor → he holds you by the jaw and pulls you in deeply no matter what kind of kiss it is

goodbye kiss? it lasts at least ten seconds. same for any others

he wants you to know that he’s thought about it, that he’s not taking you lightly. his kisses reflect that thought process

he always tastes faintly of some kind of batter, but it’s always a little different every time he pulls you in

his hands find your waist and settle there with purpose as you kiss

if you put your hands in his hair he will marry you

take his hat off as you kiss him in front of his dorm room and you might just spend the night → he wants you to know him the way no one else does

Cater Diamond

cater kisses with the kind of avoidance that only comes from getting used to leaving

he’s never quite there when he kisses you casually → he pecks your lips or kisses your cheeks but he walks on eggshells over the idea of being that vulnerable

he claims any public space is a trashy space to make out in → he doesn’t wanna suck face in the hallways of NRC likes two horny side characters in a 2000s romcom 

but… if you give him time, he’s worth the wait

he kisses with desperation, emotion you are rarely allowed to see

quick kisses are plastered on magicam like paint on roses but he won’t ever take a picture of the way you smile when he puts his palm on the back of your neck

the first time you kissed for real, he started to cry

kissing you is like air to him, he feels like he’s been choking for his whole life until he felt the way you melt into his lips and his arms

he feels understood when it’s just you and him, and he can’t help but get scared that he’ll have to leave once more

he tried to push you away, but the feeling of your lips on his threw those plans out the window

he tastes like spicy ramen and chips almost every time → sometimes he tastes like spearmint gum (like your first kiss; he was nervous, okay!) and you know he planned on kissing you the whole time

Ace Trappola

when ace kisses you in public, it’s peppered with a raspberry and a joke

he’s determined to make you laugh every time → you roll your eyes and wipe his spit off your cheek and he is so in love with you it’s not even funny anymore

your first kiss he accidentally smacked into you and bit his tongue → he won’t make that mistake again

in private, he’s softer and he kisses like he means it

his hands search for you and they don’t seem to stop → he just likes to know that you’re there and you love him

he tastes like cherry anything → tart, lollipops, even just the actual fruit; it’s addicting

he kisses you on the couch like a high school boyfriend and he finds you in hallways just to deliver one more in case you’ve forgotten how good he is at kissing

he says he’s a better kisser than you as a joke → he secretly thinks you’re better than he is

“prefect, did you eat egg salad or somethin’ at lunch?” ← he’s always just kidding, but he likes when you flush that pretty pink and hit him in the arm with a scowl

he lets you shut him up with kisses, and he always laughs in between the space where your lips meet. without fail. 

Deuce Spade

deuce kisses you with tension in his shoulders and a stiffness in his lips → he’d never kissed anyone before you, and he’s scared to get it wrong

he’s the kind of guy to watch tutorials on youtube; he just wants to do it right for you!

his whole world was tilted the first time your lips met his, and he can never go back to the way it was before that moment of connection

he melts into every kiss but it always starts incredibly formal → he will never touch you any way that makes you uncomfortable

he asks every time

“is this okay, prefect?” with his hands cradling your face and his eyes hooded with barely restrained need → he’s always wanted you, and he will never get used to the fact that you’re really his

his hands always end up at the small of your back when the kiss gets deeper like a heat-seeking missile

Leona Kingscholar

when leona kisses you, it’s borderline lazy

he kisses you fully alert the way one would expect him to kiss you half asleep

but when he’s half asleep, his kisses are heavier and much slower

he wants every moment with you to last a lifetime, and he recalls each memory with the reverence of someone who doesn’t want them to wear out or turn to sand

his hands find your hips → he wants to stabilize you, to keep you safe and away from harm every time

he just can’t help the way his lips quirk up when his kisses steal your breath → yes he’s smug, but he’s allowed to be isn’t he?

“don’t strain yourself, herbivore” he loves to daze you and pretend nothing happened

your reddened face is the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen and he won’t deny it (although he doesn’t mention it either)

if he ever lost you, he’d be a wreck, and he knows it

Ruggie Bucchi

ruggie kisses are punctuated by a light nip and his trademark laugh

they’re meant to take you by surprise, and they always do 

he kisses you like he’s starved and you’re a five course meal → you’re his, and he’s so used to owning nothing but the clothes on his back that he can’t help but hoard you away 

when he kisses you seriously, you can always tell by the way his hands grab at your shoulders as if to keep you from pulling away

he likes to hear your breath hitch when he lands one, and he revels in the idea that he might be able to get that kind of reaction from you

his teeth find your bottom lip like muscle memory and he loves to laugh at the way you startle

his kisses are cut off by wide grins that pull his lips off his teeth; he just can’t stop smiling like a lunatic and it’s making it hard to lay one on him

Jack Howl

jack kisses you like it’s a challenge and he’s trying to improve every time he does it

his tail wags noticeably and he can’t help but get a little embarrassed

his hands always search for your chin to pull you in just a little more

his ears twitch when your breath hitches → he loves to hear the way you love him

he gets flustered if you deepen the kiss, but he pretends not to 

he’s the kind of guy to kiss you every time you meet and every time you part

kiss him before his track meets “for good luck” ← he always ends up performing a little bit better

Azul Ashengrotto

azul still flushes bright blue each time you kiss him

if it were up to him, you would never stop kissing him, but alas, he has work to do 

he likes to drop hints, subtle comments that might sound like initiation but really aren’t → he gets nervous, don’t be too harsh with him

his fingers shake when you kiss him, but they intertwine with your own and he feels better

if you put your hands on his waist or his face he just might cry

do NOT wear lipstick because he won’t wipe it off but he won’t let the tweels see it either (they always know when he’s been kissed somehow. maybe it’s that dopey grin on his face? couldn’t be.)

Jade Leech

jade kisses like you’re an experiment, or like a puzzle he’s piecing together

he finds it fascinating that he can earn any kind of reaction from you, and he likes the idea that he might be seeing a part of you that no one else has

he always tastes like mushrooms; it’s earthy and familiar

the first time you kissed him his composure fell completely, and he didn’t speak for at least forty seconds

he’s never physically initiated kissing, but he talks big

“prefect, it seems you tried to kiss me this morning, but you must’ve missed, for it was delivered to my cheek instead. would you like to try again?” ← jade i hate you

Floyd Leech

floyd kisses are fast and always different

he likes to keep things interesting, and to be honest, he was a little skeptical that he wouldn’t get bored of kissing

but holy shit

when he first kissed you it was like an explosion happened in his brain and now he can’t go two seconds without your lips on his

he likes to pick you up (just like the movies) but sometimes he squeezes too hard lol

“shrimpyyyyy!” ← he always punctuates his greetings with little pecks now 

(not as cute, but he has a fondness for using his tongue and his teeth)

Kalim Al-Asim

kalim kisses with the kind of love that’s hard to explain

every kiss feels like you’ve been off at war for decades and he’s finally seen you again

the first time you kissed when he finally pulled away he started laughing and couldn’t say anything but the word “hi”

he loves to put his hands in your hair but his fingers always end up at that spot on your jaw right under your ears

his knees get a little shaky every time and he feels a jolt of electricity when your lips collide

he could do it again and again and again

it silences him immediately and he gets weirdly calm after

jamil thanks you lol

Jamil Viper

jamil kisses you like you’re dying, or he is, or perhaps both

he kisses you the way parting lovers do; pyramus and thisbe anyone? 

“i suppose you’re right, prefect. we should be going soon.” ← he waits a beat and then kisses you again (you’re never getting where you need to go)

he’s in love with the way you taste 

he feels like you’re taunting him everytime you talk to him and you don’t kiss him → what else would those lips before?

plealse don’t kiss him in front of kalim he might die

Vil Schoenheit

when vil kisses you, it is equal parts stylish and vulnerable

you are never at a bad angle when you two kiss; he tilts your head to the exact degree he needs you and he leans in

it’s almost picturesque, but this does not mean it’s not soft and sweet

his kisses are best in his room, alone  → these are slow, like he has all the time in the world 

his hands always curl at your waist and pull you in slightly, as if he needs to feel your skin on his at every moment

he hums contentedly every time  → you never fail to make him deliriously happy

he loves to see his lipstick smudged on you (he wipes it off after, but he likes the image)

Rook Hunt

i think we all know rook’s preferences 

rook kisses you with the devotion of a samurai or a man being sent off to battle

he could recite full sonnets about how it feels to kiss you, and if it were up to him he’d never stop

his hands hold you so delicately you’d think you were glass  → he wants to treat you like the deity he finds you to be

he’s never felt something so perfect as your lips on his, and he never wants to let that go

try to peck him. try it. i dare you. he will pull you in with a “such a tease, mon cœur” and you will never hear the end of it

his lips ghost over your skin before you fall asleep and right before you wake up  → he wants the first thing you know in the morning and the last thing you know at night to be that he loves you

Epel Felmier

epel kisses are a little clumsy, in the best way possible

he tastes like apples (cider, pie, with cinnamon, you name it) and he smells like faded perfumes and soil

his hands never quite know where to go but they always end up at your waist

there’s an enthusiasm in his kisses that is read in almost everything he does → he knows what he wants, and he’s eager to be the best at it

he pulls you in with a strength most people don’t realize he possesses; he’s a bit of a man-handler hehe

overall he’s eager to please and he’s obsessed with your lips more than anything

Idia Shroud

idia kisses are always a little awkward in the sweetest way

the first time you kissed your teeth bumped accidentally and he fell off his bed

he tries to catch you by surprise → it’s the only way he can do it that doesn’t feel cringey

he has maybe seen a few animes that show kissing and tried some tactics on you… but he will NEVER admit this

he finds himself chasing the high your lips give him more often than not, and that interest is what helps him get over his own anxiety

you will probably never get a kiss in public (this is scary) but in his room he’s much more confident about it

he’s the kind of guy to pull away after a bit and just start nervously laughing 

pretends to die and throws himself onto his pillow all dramatic like if you giggle while he’s kissing you (he smiles if you start laughing harder though, he’s doing it all for your enjoyment)

he never stops getting flustered by you not even after months of kissing

one kiss? mmm…. another one…. but what if…. one more. mmm…. another one.

his hair turns pink all over and he can barely look at you uwaaaaaaa 

(can you tell i love idia?)

Malleus Draconia

malleus kisses you both like he knows what he’s doing, and like he’s learning something new

he’s curious, he wants to know everything that could pull a reaction out of you, and he has no qualms about using his findings against you

his hands are so gentle when they’re on you → he couldn’t imagine being rough with you. ever. 

he likes to steal your breath, he finds it amusing that he can leave you panting

he’s the kind of guy to pull away after the first kiss and just look at you a moment before chasing after your lips like a man starved

no feeling will ever compare to the way your lips feel

he lays in bed with you sometimes and thinks about family, about marriage, about waking up every morning to your kiss and he decides it’s worth it; even if human lives are so much shorter, he’d rather a burst of happiness then the slow stumbling walk of regret

Lilia Vanrouge

lilia kisses are bursts of energy that always catch you by surprise 

you find yourself recreating the first spider-man movie very often (catch the ref, darlings)

his hands are on your spine → he likes to press you to him, he wants to feel your warmth tangle with his

lilia is legs tangled together and giggles between kisses and yet you’ve never felt this kind of devotion before

he’s willing to spend the rest of his fading life with you and i think that’s beautiful

kisses out in public are pecks and nose kisses intended to make you roll your eyes and laugh

kisses in private are intended to make you realize that there is a love in the universe that is greater than anything, and it is all for you and you alone

Silver Vanrouge

silver kisses are innocent and straightforward 

he’s the kind of guy to chase after your lips when you pull away → don’t laugh, he just can’t stop 

“prefect, may i kiss you again?” my my, how forward! what would lilia say? (nothing he would literally say nothing)

he dreams about you now, and if he wakes to find his bed empty he feels an ache he’s never really felt in his chest before; i guess you have to stay and monitor this with him, it could be a heart attack 

he never does anything without your permission and he’s just the sweetest

sleepytimes boy i love you

Sebek Zigvolt

sebek kisses are ALWAYS clumsy and ALWAYS leave him flustered

every time he pulls away he’s ruddy-faced and straight spined → it’s silly please kiss him again

refuses to kiss in front of malleus i’m sorry

he bows and presses his lips to the back of your hand before using said hand to pull you towards him and leaning to press his lips now to your own

he’s a knight first and your lover second, but this really does have its perks 

he’s never been anything but a gentleman to you when it comes to this

if you can handle his yelling, honestly? you can handle anything he throws at you dear reader

he’s grateful you can ❤️

Rollo Flamme

rollo kisses are chaste, but you can feel the restraint behind them each time

hands intertwined with yours and they never stray → he has self-control; he ought to use it

sometimes you catch him off guard and you can practically touch the desperation that leaks from him as he pressed his lips to yours

he’s never wanted anything as much as you and he doesn’t know how to feel about that 

give him time, he’s worth it i promise 

he likes your temples; this is really where he kisses most often

something something the most reverent place to kiss a lover something something temple of god something something 

Artemiy Artemiyevich Pinker (Che’nya)

che’nya kisses are unpredictable but sweet

he appears sometimes out of nowhere to plant one on your lips and then leave with a broad cheshire grin

he can’t get enough of it, and it really shows

“prefect, you’re purrfect” please get him outta my face 

no but he does get serious with you sometimes → these are the best che’nya kisses

his fingers curl at the nape of your neck and he tastes like tarts almost every time 

he smiles into kisses there is no stopping him

Rielle Corallia

rielle is obsessed with kissing

he searches for you like a heat-seeking missile and kisses you no matter where you are

every time it’s different and every time it’s the greatest thing in the world

he kisses like he’s memorizing the way you feel, like he’s letting his curiosity get the best of him

another one another one another one → you are never getting rid of him

he holds you by the hips, he likes the feeling of what makes you human

some days they find your wrists, feeling your pulse under the skin; he really likes that

Minajael Tealrajah

minajael’s kisses are confident and cool

he dips you sometimes (often) and he can’t help but smirk into the kiss

don’t be fooled though, he’s a huge loser for you

definitely another kiss chaser, he won’t let you go until he’s finished

you pull away to fast and The Eyebrow comes out woof i would kiss him again to make him feel better

he pouts if you don’t kiss him for the exact amount of time he wanted you to

he holds you by the chin and his other arm wraps around your waist to find the small of your back

Neige LeBlanche

neige kisses are sweet and slow

he always asks permission first, there is no exception

his hands grasp either side of your face like he’s holding glass and it’s glorious

he tastes like apples and cinnamon :)

he’s the kind of guy to thank you after you kiss him (don’t bring it up it was an accident !!)

he loves you and he loves to show you that all the time

it takes him five minutes just to say goodbye he’s too busy blissed out on kissing you 

‧₊˚ ┊ While Vil is interested in your world, he isn't exactly champing at the bit to learn everything there is to know about it. That being said, he does end up taking an interest in the media you're able to access from over there!

‧₊˚ ┊ Vil, at heart, lives a bit of messy drama. He doesn't like it when he's a part of the drama, but he will happily sit back and watch the others' mess. Anyway, he absolutely loves the Real Housewives shows and other 'reality' shows like 90 Day Fiancé, Love Is Blind, Love Island, and the like! Vil is definitely the sort to judge and criticize the toxic relationships and poor decisions the people in these shows make, literally ranting and raving while he does his nightly routine. Outside of reality shows, I totally see him being obsessed with Glee. (Idk why… I just feel it in my soul that he's a Gleek lol.)

‧₊˚ ┊ I previously had a bit of a difficult time figuring out what kind of music Vil would like, but someone suggested Lady Gaga, which seems sooo obvious in hindsight. So, yeah, he's definitely a little monster and no one can convince me otherwise! Also, someone suggested that Vil would like showtunes, which I can totally see since he's basically a theater kid. 

‧₊˚ ┊ Speaking of, Vil love love loves all the various musicals from your word! Moulin Rouge is definitely a favorite of his and I 100% see him making the Film Studies Club put on a production of it! He also loves La La Land, Into The Woods, and Wicked (of course). I think he might enjoy Heathers, Mean Girls, and Ride the Cyclone too, but probably not as much as the ones previously mentioned. (No, he is not a Hamilton. Please do not show him Miku binder Thomas Jefferson.)

‧₊˚ ┊ Vil is actually pleasantly surprised by the media available in your world. The reality tv is more trashy, the music more artistic, and the musicals much more entertaining! Vil honestly has quite the low bar when it came to the quality he was expecting, but all the things you showed him surpassed those expectations with ease!

‧₊˚ ┊ Oooohhh, Idia is eating up the media you have available to you! He's a huge nerd, so you better believe he's gonna geek about all the anime and games that are popular in your world! The only downside is that Idia can't really buy merch or anything like that since he's in another world and all that.

‧₊˚ ┊ Obviously, Idia is gonna be obsessed with video games from your world! I know for a fact he'd put hundreds of hours into League of Legends, like he's hitting platinum or whatever the highest rank is. Also, he'd love the Persona series and other RPGs like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33! Also, also, he definitely is a super sweaty killer main on Dead By Daylight! Like, he exclusively runs toxic builds on top-tier killers like Blight and Ghoul! (Yes, he shit talks on the mic. Thankfully, he doesn't call anyone slurs when he gets accused of hacking lol.)

‧₊˚ ┊ Of course, Idia is gonna love the anime from your world! This may be my personal bias, but I think he'd really like JoJo's Bizarre Adventure! Stardust Crusaders is definitely his favorite part, but I think Golden Wind is a close second! I also think he'd like the classics like Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Naruto, and HunterxHunter! Idia likes modern anime like Jujustu Kiasen, Demon Slayer, and My Hero Academia.

‧₊˚ ┊ In terms of music, I see Idia listening to a lot of Kpop — specifically the girl groups! He is a big Twice fan, but he also likes Red Velvet, LOONA (rip), and Girl's Generation! He might secretly try to learn some choreography, but he tires out pretty easily, so he always gives up after a few attempts. One day, Idia will master the choreography Cry For Me, and it will be over for all of us lol.)

‧₊˚ ┊ You have now successfully gotten Idia obsessed with a bunch of media from your world! He wishes he had better access to it all, but he'll just have to figure out a way for the two of you to be able to go back and forth between your world and Twisted Wonderland! Idia will get right on figuring that out… after he plays another match in League!

‧₊˚ ┊ Malleus is positively fascinated by the media of your world! He's pretty curious by nature, so he, obviously, takes a great interest in all the media you have available to show him! It doesn't matter what it is — movies, music, games, books, etc. — Malleus is 100% invested.

‧₊˚ ┊ I see Malleus being really into the A Song of Ice and Fire series! For one, he's a prince with a lot of knowledge of political power structures, which makes the political intrigue of it all so much more interesting to him! Secondly, he really likes the dragons, which honestly isn't much of a surprise! Malleus doesn't consider the Targaryens to be the best of rulers, but he looks past that since he likes their dragons so much! (Dany is the exception, of course — she can do no wrong in Malleus' eyes lol)

‧₊˚ ┊ In terms of music, Malleus really likes visual ki! Like, you can't tell me he's not obsessed with DIR EN GREY, Malice Mizer, Plastic Tree, L'Arc-en-Ciel, and similar bands. I also think he'd really like dramatic classical music along the lines of Lacrimosa and Requiem in D Minor — the more grandiose and opulent, the better!

‧₊˚ ┊ Malleus is obsessed with The Phantom of the Opera and loves listening to the soundtrack. He's so into it that he once called you his 'Angel of Music'! Anastasia is also a favorite of Malleus'! The story of a lost princess kinda reminds him of Silver, but he prefers the soundtrack more than anything! (I lowkey need a Malleus x Phantom of the Opera au fic…)

✨You just shrugged. Honestly, it didn’t really matter. You had your henna done! You practically skipped through the day, all but proudly shoving your decorated hands in everyone’s faces and watching their reactions. Your friends were impressed - even Grim wanted his own henna done too. You just smiled and nodded, eyeing his fur. Maybe instead you could have Minajael decorate a handkerchief and tie it around Grim’s neck…?

✨As you were lost in thought, a loud voice calling your name drew your attention. You looked up. Waving at you from the end of the hall with his drumsticks, was Kalim grinning at you. Behind him, you could spot Jamil shouldering his gym bag. They must’ve just finished up their club activities. Perfect timing!

“Hey guys!” You grinned at Kalim, watching him rush over to you. “Kalim, slow down-!” Jamil tried, but Kalim stopped just in front of you. “So you did get your mehendi done! Cater told us during practice!” You nodded, proudly holding your arms up, “mm-hmm!~”

Kalim’s ruby eyes sparkled, “Oh wow! Can I see?” He took your hand in his, pulling it up to see the henna. “Your mehendi is so pretty! It’s so detailed!” His hands were warm, gently running his fingers over your skin. You chuckled as Kalim twisted your hands around to admire them, ruby eyes sparkling. You must’ve been like this with Minajael too, you mused. 

Jamil finally made it to you both, looking tired. “Hey Jamil,” you said with a small smile, ignoring Kalim scrutinizing your arms, “how was basketball practice?” He huffed, shaking his head with a tired look. “Floyd.” “Ah.” You nodded, deciding not to ask. 

Kalim looked up, “Look! (Name) has their mehendi done!” That’s when Jamil finally noticed it. Silently, he admired the stain. It was nice, he thought. Even at a passing glance, anyone could tell your henna was painstakingly done. Flowering blossoms spiraled on your arms, finally reaching your hands. Even your palms had a design, a mandala stained darker than the rest of your skin. Jamil nodded with a smile, “It’s very nice, (Name).” 

While Kalim gushed, Jamil studied the pattern. The design looked somewhat familiar. Jamil couldn’t quite put a finger on it, but there was something about the flower design. He just shook his head. Perhaps it was just a design you’d gotten inspiration from. Still, how did you even get henna out here in Sage’s Island? It was the off-season for when people typically got their henna done. Even Kalim didn’t have any with him. 

Beside you, Kalim tapped one of the henna flowers thoughtfully. “This looks kind of like royal mehndi designs,” he commented. Your eyes widened, “really?” Kalim nodded, “mm-hmm! That design is usually done by the royal family! The jasmine flowers are pretty unique designs, a lot of people in the Scalding Sands like ‘em. I know my cousin does!”

At that, Jamil eyed the floral design carefully. Hmm, Royal designs? His brow furrowed. Was that where he’d seen those flower motifs? He shook his head, no, you must’ve seen it at the Scalding Sands when he took you to the Yasamina Silk festival. He must be overthinking it. “Did you look the design up online?” Jamil asked, keeping his tone even. You chewed the inside of your mouth, not wanting to say. “Um, kind of?” you said, not noticing Kalim turn your hand over to see your palm. 

“Huh, that’s weird,” Kalim squinted, bringing your palm up close to his face. “Why’s Minajael’s name here?” You flinched as Jamil’s bag cluttered to the ground. Jamil couldn't stop the words coming out of him, “what?”

Minajaels name? Was in? Your HENNA design?! Jamil all but snatched your wrist out of Kalim’s grip. You yelped, but Jamil ignored it as he searched between the narrow mandala petals. “Mm-hmm!” Kalim chirped, leaning to point it out to Jamil. Kalim didn’t seem to notice the look on Jamil’s face, or that your eyes were blown wide, “Right here, on the palm!” Following Kalim’s finger, Jamil scanned through the mandala rows until he finally spotted it. In the looping script of the Scalding Sands language, was Minajael written among the layered petals.

You shook your head, “Oh, no, a part of it got smudged or something on my palm.” Poor Jamil just stared at your palm in shock, almost willing it to be a mere smudge instead of that spoiled prince’s name. Kalim shook his head, answering your question, “nope, that definitely says Minajael. Right, Jamil?”

At first, Jamil didn’t heard Kalim. His eyes were glued to your henna. The vine-like design climbing up your arms, the swirling patterns flicked perfectly outward, the mandala petals intricately and painstakingly drawn in - all of it was done patiently. Fit for a royal. That’s when Jamil realized - Your henna wasn’t just nice. It was done lovingly. 

Something boiled in Jamil’s gut before he finally snapped out of his thoughts. “Yes, that’s certainly the Prince’s name,” he ground out, forcing a neutral smile on his face and letting go of the iron grip on your wrist. Kalim ignored Jamil’s inner turmoil, instead bringing your hand closer to you to point it out.

“See, (Name)? It’s right here.” Your eyes widened. Sure enough, the same area you thought was just a smudge, or maybe where Minajael lost control of the henna, was actually writing. Surprise overtook you as you studied your palm. Suddenly, the looping script didn’t look like random scribbles anymore, but an actual alphabet. So that’s how it’s written. Minajael… you looked at it thoughtfully.

Jamil’s gaze was sharp and narrow as he studied your expression. He didn’t like the soft look on your face one bit. “(Name), you didn’t… ask the henna artist to put his name there,” his grey eyes bore into yours, “did you?” 

You just blinked, “no?” Kalim chimed in, “yeah, why is his name here? Usually having someone else’s name in your henna design means that you’re enga- mmph!” Jamil smacked his hand over Kalim’s mouth. Luckily, you were too caught up squinting at the mandala on your hand to register what happened. 

You shrugged, “I guess… maybe he left his name there as a signature?” At Jamil’s deadpan look, you stammered to explain, “y’know, like how an artist signs their artwork! Yeah!” 

Kalim nodded in understanding, while Jamil frowned. “So, he did this for you?” At your wide-eyed look, Jamil pressed, “you saw him yesterday?” You pursed your lips. Dang, looks like you were caught. You just nodded nonchalantly, playing it off, “yeah, he did my henna.” If you were lucky, you could maybe get out without a lecture. Unfortunately, you weren’t so lucky. You sighed inwardly as Jamil’s eyes grew wider than a Spelldrive disk, already freaking out. “What?!”

You just shrugged, “It’s fine, I just… had some free time, that’s all, and I went to Royal Sword Academy for a bit.” Really, it wasn’t that bad. You’d left NRC with permission before, so why did Jamil look so indignant?

“You can’t just leave campus like that!” Jamil blustered, all exhaustion from the day gone as he scolded you. You tried not to roll your eyes as you began walking towards the Hall of Mirrors. “I’ve left campus before, Jamil. I’m a big Prefect, I can handle myself. And this was worth it!” You wiggled your henna-stained fingers, trying to lighten his mood. Jamil just groaned, “That’s besides the point!”

Kalim just grinned, slipping his hand into yours. “Hey, maybe we should get matching mehendi when this one fades!” You grinned, “definitely! What do you think, Jamil?” 

Jamil just exhaled. Typical of Kalim to make plans on a whim. You looked over, “Jamil?” You prompted. He willed his shoulders to relax, and nodded. “Sure. I’ve done Kalim’s mehendi in the past, and Najma’s too.” Kalim brightened, “we could all have matching mehendi’s!” he cheered. 

You grinned, nudging Jamil as the three of you began walking towards the Hall of Mirrors. “Hey, maybe I could try doing yours!” Kalim chimed in, “Yeah! You never have your mehendi done, Jamil!” Jamil hummed at that. It wasn’t often that he’d had his own henna done. Between handling Kalim and managing his own school and work affairs, it wasn’t something he really had time for. Still… He glared down at your hand with that prince’s name scrawled in your hand. 

As if his name being there wasn’t bad enough, it was also the placement. Something about Minajael’s name being scrawled in your palm made Jamil’s skin on edge. To have his name in your hand… Jamil scowled. As if that prince wasn’t spoiled enough, he even had to go and put his name on you. How presumptuous. Even if your name was in his own hand, the idea still frazzled him. He wouldn’t even want his own name being inside anyone’s hand. The mere idea made scowl. Did that pampered prince even ask you what you wanted? 

After you waved your goodbyes, he and Kalim walked through the Scarabia mirror. While Kalim chattered excitedly about your henna, Jamil was more pensive as he thought about the flowers encircling your arms. If he were to do your henna, what design would he make? Perhaps stars or animals? Maybe he could do arches inspired by the Scalding Sands architecture. You seemed to like it when you visited. What about faux-bracelets encircling your wrists? He shook his head, huffing. This was ridiculous. He’d simply ask you what you wanted, and he’d do it. 

Soon he was back in his dorm room. Even now, he was still stewing over your mehendi design an hour later. It was the sheer intimacy of having Minajael’s name in your palm…  He scowled. And the audacity. Minajael’s name in your palm was still on his mind, no matter how much he tried to push it out of his head. He unwound his hair from its braids, looking back at his reflection in the mirror. 

He wouldn’t dare inscribe his own name in your skin without you knowing. Jamil stared at himself in the mirror, eyes darkening at his reflection as he undid the last of his braids. Although… Some little part of him couldn’t deny the intimacy of having a name on someone’s skin. His thoughts drifted. Where would he put your name on himself? Certainly not in his palm. The implications of having you in his hands made his thoughts turn sour. Idly, he stretched his wrists, still tight from club practice. Then he stopped. 

Jamil looked down at his wrist. Idly, he brushed a thumb over his skin until he could feel his pulse beating underneath - dutiful, strong, and ever-constant. 

The rhythm of his heart, proof of life. 

A smile tugged the corner of his mouth. Maybe he didn’t know what designs he’d create, but he knew one thing he’d like. Your name written in henna stain over the pulse on his wrist. Yes. That would do nicely, ya hayati. 

I hope this was ok!! Personally I’ve always thought getting someone’s name in henna over the wrist pulse was super romantic so. I indulged myself. Also I had no idea what to title this lmao 😭

Anyway this was a lil late bc I didn’t know how to end it but lmk what you guys think :D Thanks for reading!! I’m glad so many people liked the Minajael part!!!!

Until next time, take care shrimpies~ Xoxo Calci!~

Demographics & General

Jade states that "there aren't nearly as many merfolk as there are humans."

Merfolk from the Coral Sea have a higher cold tolerance than usual, as their homes freeze over with ice floes in the winter.

There seems to be two kinds of merfolk (more animalistic kinds like the Octatrio and more humanoid kinds like Rielle and the NPCs). However, Twst's narrative has not addressed if there are formal classifications between them.

Merfolk naturally have well-moisturized skin.

They would dry up on land if deprived of water for too long. Dehydration is deadly to them.

There's a stereotype that all merfolk are great singers.

Octopus merfolk are not common around the area where the Atlantica Memorial Museum is.

In their true forms, merpeople have gills and fins. When they transform into humans, they lose the gills and gain mammalian features, such as nipples.

Coming out of the water + walking on land for the first time can be difficult. Floyd describes it like this: “I was sluggish and tired out real quick. My feet screamed at me with every step I took. Spent every day wishin’ I didn’t have to walk ever again.”

There are subspecies of merfolk. Azul is an octopus, and the twins are morays.

Octopus merfolk spit up ink when they cry or they’re upset.

Floyd says morays are cowards at heart. “We don’t take a shot unless the shot’s guaranteed to be a winner. We wait… and then we go in for the killing blow. That’s how morays hunt.”

Merfolk do not sweat.

Colors are more vivid on land. Floyd days brighter colors are better for camo in the sea, though.

Most merfolk that live in areas shallower than 500 meters have bioluminescence. They can blink their lights on and off to signal locations without giving away their voices, as sound travels easily underwater.

Merfolk are fine in both fresh and salt water.

NRC has specialized carriages for collecting mer students.

Azul says “soft mattresses and pillows aren't a thing under the sea.” They usually sleep in the hollows or large seashells and conches.

Safety

It is implied that the Coral Sea can be a dangerous place to live. It's very cold and dark. There are also large carnivores and venomous creatures around. According to Jade, 'You never know what's lying in wait around the corner. You must keep vigilant at all hours."

Ghost pirates are common and cause children to disappear every year. From Jade: “Those who lose their lives at sea often harbor intense regrets… between those who were caught in storms or starved mid-voyage after losing their way, whatever the cause of death may be, it is common for returning ghosts to grow quite violent.”

Underwater hydrothermal vents can block off the way merfolk swam from and get them sick if they breathe in too much smoke. The sulfur they give off obscures other smells.

Sunken ships are often lairs for sharks.

Anemones on the head garner bullying.

Children make fun of those that lack traits for survival, such as a strong tailfin and/or being able to swim fast.

There was an accident that resulted in some tourists from land being stranded underwater. They made it out safely, but review bombed the dolphin-chariot company they used. (Their dolphins acted on a whim, so there's no way to assure it would not happen again.)

Food

It's implied that merfolk hunt.

Most of their food is consumed raw and/or with the skin still on.

The Coral Sea's water is good quality and rich in minerals, since many kinds of fish and aquatic plants live there. When those lifeforms decompose, they add minerals to the water.

It seems like it is uncomfortable for merfolk to witness their species being consumed (Azul is uncomfortable seeing Jade and Floyd eating octopus).

There are no fires in the Coral Sea.

Sweets are uncommon.

Azul’s mom owns the most popular restaurant in the Coral Sea, La Grotta.

Coral Sea couples frequently request Rainbow Soup at their weddings and other special occasions. It’s a warm dessert soup that you stir with a trident cookie, turning the sky blue soup into a rainbow of colors.

Marriages between humans and merpeople are rare. Maybe one happens per year.

Fashion

Merfolk typically don't wear clothes. Floyd describes his first experience wearing clothes as "Felt like I was tangled in seaweed from head to toe."

Pearl and seashell accessories are common.

A lipstick based on the one favored by the Sea Witch is very popular. The container looks like a seashell.

There is a story about how a mermaid combed her hair with a fork when she first came to land, and then she went on to find happiness. Now fork shaped combs are a popular item in Ultramarine City.

There is a lip gloss with a Sea Witch motif that claims to never come off, even under the sea.

Sturgeon scales are popular good luck charms.

Customs, Traditions, & Leisure

Merfolk celebrate Halloween!

In the autumn, folks collect shells and starfish to use as decorations.

On Halloween day, people carry lanterns (bottles of bioluminescent algae) to stop themselves from wandering into the ghost realm and play music so ghosts are not lonely + to quell their anger and sadness.

They don’t use pumpkins as lanterns.

Music is a very significant part of merfolk culture and is a popular form of entertainment. (Azul and Jade are appalled at the suggestion that Halloween should be silent.) It’s rare to find a merperson who hates music.

There are lots of concerts in the Coral Sea. According to Floyd, they all sound the same so maybe there is a particular genre of music favored there.

Merpeople love fireworks. Many swim to the surface to watch them when land dwellers set them off. In the past, merfolk used to believe that fireworks were flying jellyfish.

When a human marries a merperson, it’s tradition to have an Eternity Float. This is a wedding custom well known among merfolk, involving “trials of love” for newlyweds to overcome together as they circle a cove and profess their love. It originates from a legend of how a pair of moray eels capsized a rowboat, which ended up bringing a mermaid and human closer.

The “best” Eternity Floats are ones where actual morays play the role of the trial givers and if they can successfully flip over the boat. Usually friends of the spouses play the role.

The Eternity Float is said to bless newlyweds with happiness forevermore.

Most merfolk tend to play with coral and shells instead of fabric toys, which would be damaged in the water.

Sometimes merchildren explore sunken ships, though they’re often cautioned against it by parents.

It's easy to find rarities under the sea; Jade must have collected over 100 trinkets and kept them in a box.

Coral rush is a popular sport played by merfolk all over the world. It's similar to magift/spelldrive and polo. Players use magic to knock a ball through ring-shaped goals floating in the water. Instead of riding brooms, they ride squids.

They have a professional league for coral rush and many underwater schools have teams too. High school coral rush games are high-profile events.

Children like to do obstacle races. They pick a goal and swim on a set route through a sunken ship. Winner is whoever is the fastest.

Government & Businesses

Dolphin chariots are used mainly for big events. There are a few companies that have chariots which cater to tourists from the land.

The Corallias are the royal family for the Coral Sea. There are seven princes, the youngest of whom is Rielle.

Rielle is a second year student at RSA and a student of Marinafinne dorm. He is eager to demonstrate to his dad that he is no longer a child.

Rielle and Azul shared an elementary and middle school class, but they are not particularly close and did not keep in touch.

Horatio XII is a court musician.

Not may merfolk come to land for work and/or school, even though it’s now a little more common than before.

The mermaid princess established a land boot camp, which is a month-long boarding school program certified by the government. Merpeople who wish to live on land attend this and learn information like how to wear clothes, how to breathe, how to eat, how to walk, about fire safety, land animals, etc. It helps to minimize the culture shock of coming to land for the first time.

The government provides transformation potions for free to merfolk that go to the land. Modern potions last 7-10 days at a time, but it seems possible for merfolk to return to their true forms sooner when needed.

The Leech family run an "independent business that dabbles in a bit of everything". They seem to be quite successful, as the twins mention being showered with gifts and luxuries, as well as their parents having business connections and associates even on land.

Seaside towns and communities have stalls that sell goods to adult merfolk, who sometimes visit.

Ultramarine City sells items directly sourced from merfolk. These include seahorses with anemones on their heads, seaweed for flower fortune-telling, and instruments and accessories made from seashells.

Important Figures & History

A mermaid princess was once so enamored by the land that she acquired legs to come to the surface world and fell in love with a human prince of the Sunshine Lands.

She would later on to be immortalized as one of the Radiant Seven at RSA, with her dorm, Marinafinne, valuing her passion.

The tale of the mermaid princess has been adapted into storybooks and a film.

The mermaid princess and human prince were wed on a ship. This ship has become a popular motif for books, paintings, and model ships.

During their date on a small boat, little fish spouted water around them. Because of that, fish-shaped water guns are a popular item along the coastal city of Ultramarine (in the Sunshine Lands).

Humans and merfolk used to be afraid of each other in the past.

The Atlantica Memorial Museum has a replica of the Sea Witch's cauldron, the bones of a sea dragon, and a "silver hair comb" (fork).

The Sea King is an important figure to the merfolk. He was distrustful of humans and constantly worried about his daughter, the mermaid princess, who often would not show up to performances.

My immediate impression of Mina is that he speaks casually, but is serious when it comes to achieving his goals. However, this doesn’t mean that he can’t also be a romantic or have a teasing streak.

As I mentioned earlier, he is canonically very opinionated when it comes to matters of love and is against the idea of having others choose his partner for him.

I see the RSA boys as kinda… bleeding hearts and/or those with savior complexes. For Mina specifically, I think he’d share Jasmine’s fierceness and self-righteousness, so he’d be the type to intervene if he senses a NRC guy is giving someone else trouble. Swoop in and play hero, y’know 😭

I fully believe in Mina’s capacity to whip out the charm if he has to or wants to. Now, I don’t think he’s a playboy even if he kinda looks like trouble. He’d be looking for The One to pledge his devotion to, someone who would love him for him, and not money, status, or titles. An old-fashioned romantic at heart!

Mina daydreams about having a serendipitous encounter in some farmer’s market (while he’s in his commoner cosplay). Like he reaches for the same blemished apple as a rando and then their hands touch, their eyes meet, sparks fly—

Mina does strike me as someone who easily teases, thanks to being inspired by Jasmine. He’s not unaware of the effect he has on people, bro knows what’s up.

He’s very selective with how he wields his charm, because he doesn’t like the idea of giving false hope. If he’s such an advocate for true love, then the last thing he wants to do is lead someone on. And if the person he’s interested in is into someone else, Mina will immediately back off and encourage them to follow their heart. HE’S A SUCKER FOR HAPPY ENDINGS (even if they do not involve him).

I think a good way to incorporate Jasmine’s (initial) hesitancy and skepticism (of Aladdin as his Prince Ali persona) is… maybe Mina teases others as a sort of “test” to see how they react. Kinda like putting his feelers out there, so he can determine what kind of person they are, if he can trust them or not, etc.

To add that element of insincerity (Jasmine faking it with Jafar) to Mina, I think he has a… complicated relationship with flirting? Like, it’s a useful tool to determine friends and foes, but it isn’t “true”—it has a detached quality to it. Maybe he feels a real connection with someone, but then the thought occurs to him that they may not like him for his “real” self, since he’s kinda putting on an act or pretending to be someone else in the moment (perhaps someone more romantically aggressive).

He doesn’t like being pursued; he’s more into being the pursuer. I think this thought of mine stems from Jasmine’s “I am not a prize to be won” line and how she constantly had suitors knocking at her door. It’d feel suffocating for Mina and like people are fighting for his affections. He wants that freedom to choose who he loves and pursues.

Mina seems so easy to talk to… so casual. Flirting comes to him naturally, and sometimes even the non-flirting sounds like it because of how effortlessly it rolls off his tongue. My female friend and I have this dumb in-joke where we’ll greet each other with “hey, girl” to parody playboys, but in Mina’s case, that “hey” greeting would actually be innocent and chill but so, SO effective, even if he does not mean for it to be that way.

You know how sometimes guys use their dogs in dating app photos to make themselves seem more likable??? MINA WiTH HIS PET TIGER AS HIS WINGMAN…

I don’t think he’d be perfect in matters of love. At the end of the day, Mina is still extremely privileged (despite his own reservations about his status), and that will blindside him to certain things that the common man experiences that he never has. He might make some accidentally insensitive comments, but quickly recovers from them and is cordial + mature with the apologies unlike most of the NRC boys. Y’know, cuz Jasmine can get pretty feisty but isn’t afraid to change her mind when she has realized she was wrong.

He once thought about confiding in his thoughts on love with Neige, Rielle, etc. but they got way too squeaky and excited about it, so Mina changed his mind and shut the convo down 💀

a/n: Available on Ao3 and Quotev too.

The NRC group performed an original song directed by the Ramshackle Prefect. This year’s SDC happened to be held at Black Swan Academy, an all-girls school.

And when it comes to satisfying the female gaze? You argued you were the best at it.

“Guys, guys, guys—hear me out.”

And then you started ripping their ears off about this amazing, wonderful, talented boy group from your world. Using your connection to the glorious Vil Schoenheit, you managed to convince him to recreate a song from your world for the SDC.

Next: choreography.

You, being the fangirl that you are, knew exactly how it should look. The problem was, you had absolutely no fucking talent when it came to dancing.

“I don’t know what that jiggly worm motion is supposed to look like,” Jamil commented.

It’s a good thing both Jamil and Kalim are patient men, because they somehow helped you recreate your absurd movements just fine.

What a talent, am I right?

They performed at the SDC.

Boom.

Booming.

People shouted, screamed, cried tears—definitely only in your imagination—at witnessing the magnificent creation you had brought to life.

For the first time in a century, NRC finally won against RSA.

Everyone looked shocked. But you, the proud parent, just puffed out your chest.

“Told you my (insert group name from your world) would never betray me.”

Everyone was happy.

Your boy group kept gaining traction weeks after the SDC ended. Fan edits, drawings, even entire fanbases somehow started sprouting out of nowhere. The boys racked up thousands of followers and started getting recognized whenever they stepped outside NRC.

Using their original recordings, you decided to upload the song to a streaming site.

And boy, oh boy, did it make money.

The song somehow landed in the Top 50 of whatever the Billboard equivalent is in Twisted Wonderland, and of course, you split the earnings evenly.

But wait.

You—the great you.

Were you satisfied with just this?

No.

Here comes the seduction arc.

“Hey, hey~ Ace, Deuce… are you sure you guys don’t want more money and fame?”

You started feeding them promises. Visions. Dreams. At first, they brushed you off. But what are you, if not a bundle of pure, unrelenting determination? So you kept trying.

Ruggie said yes immediately—because, hey, money—but didn’t take you that seriously. More like, “yeah sure, go off, do your thing.”

Ace, Deuce and Epel just… followed along.

Kalim said yes. Jamil, as expected, said no.

But you didn’t give up.

You planned. You researched. You dragged the Pop Music Club into this. You created new music. You showed the recordings to the boys and they liked it.

So you pushed. At least record it. Even if you don’t want to be idols, the money alone is worth it.

You may have manipulated them a little.

“Please, bro. At least help me make some money. I need to eat.”

They sighed. And did exactly what you wanted.

Boom.

Another boom.

The song became a global sensation, climbing all the way to #15 on the global charts.

All they could do was stare, jaws dropped.

“I TOLD YOU. NEVER QUESTION MY VISION,” you declared proudly.

And with that proof, your persistence and your borderline menace energy, they finally agreed to form a group.

The boys did it for the money. Well, most of them.

Kalim? He just thought it sounded fun and Jamil only agreed because Kalim did. (Deep down, he probably wanted to enjoy it too. He’s just a bit tsundere about it. Have some understanding of him, okay?)

I like to think Father Al-Asim would approve. He’d say having fun when you’re younger is fine, and when Kalim eventually inherits the Asim household, he can stop then.

Next step: management.

While you excelled at creative direction, you needed someone to handle schedules, contracts and all the legal nonsense.

And who's better on the job than Azul Ashengrotto?

“Aw, hell no,” Jamil refused immediately.

But you pulled him aside.

“Jamil. Listen.”

Would you rather be stuck with a bastard you know… or a hollywood bastard you don’t?

“What is a hollywood?” was his reply.

Azul was, understandably, deeply offended by your explanation.

You didn’t care. You just stared him down and threatened to release every embarrassing thing of him you’ve ever gotten out of Floyd and Jade.

Then you turned back to Jamil and the others.

“At least we know Azul and the Tweels. If we’re stuck with management, better it’s someone we’d rather deal with than complete strangers.”

They… agreed.

Reluctantly.

And that is how your build-a-boy group was born.

Let’s go.

Jamil Viper

Main Dancer, Main Vocalist, Leader

Obviously, Jamil would end up as the leader of the group. This decision comes after a long discussion. Since the leader carries the biggest burden and responsibility, you need someone who’s reliable, level-headed, and emotionally restrained.

Jamil, unfortunately, checks all the boxes.

He is hesitant, of course. Constantly wondering if this is really okay, if it would mean overshadowing Kalim. He can’t have that. But deep down… the idea of finally being a leader is still tempting.

Until he realizes he’s basically a single father of five toddlers.

Jamil is the kind of leader who’s respected by both the members and the fans. There was this one award show when they went up to give a speech, the audience just wouldn’t stop screaming.

So he raised a finger to his lips. And the crowd went silent instantly.

The clip went viral, with people losing their minds over how fucking hot he looked doing it.

In funny video edits, Jamil is the savage, effortlessly funny one who rarely does anything, but the moment he finally does, no one can stop laughing.

The group has a reality show where they try a bunch of things for the first time, and in one episode, Jamil finally snaps. He lashes out at Ace, completely frustrated and overstimulated, he just… screams.

He’s pissed, straight-up threatens to throw a pan at Ace’s face, and then starts cursing. Which he has never done before (At least, not on camera.) The editors censor every single swear word with chirping bird sounds. The boys can’t contain their laughter. Even the crew is on the floor.

It becomes ten times funnier just because it’s Jamil finally cracking open.

He’s lowkey hilarious without even trying.

But the boys respect him, too. The moment he switches to serious mode, they listen. No arguments.

He even once shut down a paparazzi who kept harassing him and the members. And of course, the clip went viral.

Adeuce? Scared shitless.

There was this one time they went live without a manager because they thought they were “mature enough” to behave (they were not). They started talking about their days back at NRC, which was fine… until somehow, the conversation shifted to how almost everyone had a crush on you and how it had basically become a canon event.

And then the door opened. Jamil walked in mid-conversation, said nothing, and just… sat between them.

The conversation died instantly.

Another viral clip from Jamil Viper.

Fans call him “HR department.” ever since.

Jamil’s voice is incredibly recognizable, sprinkled into almost all of their songs. Take his vocals out, and you’ll immediately feel that something’s missing. He carries ad-libs and hard notes effortlessly.

Now, when it comes to his solo career… For some reason, I think he would pull up a Zayn😭

The group goes on hiatus to rest, and he just never releases anything.

He drops music once in a while and that’s it.

Honestly, I like to think he uses that hiatus to properly rest. To travel. To see the world like he’s always wanted. At this point in his life, he’s no longer Kalim Al-Asim’s personal retainer.

They’re still close. Still friends. But Jamil isn’t tied to him anymore. I want to believe that, after everything, they finally had that long-overdue conversation and reached a mutual understanding.

Anyway, back to Idol Jamil.

I don’t know why, but I imagine his solo sound being something like Too Sweet by Hozier or Dusk Till Dawn by Zayn.

Jamil rarely releases music. He only has one album. But every time he drops something? Guaranteed No.1.

He does features occasionally, maybe some movie soundtracks. Very Zayn-coded behavior.

#goodluckjamilstan

Kalim Al-Asim

Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Sub Rapper

Kalim is obviously the lead and main dancer. He’s always at the center during the hardest choreography, and he absolutely devours every time. Out of all the members, he is the performer. He can sing, he can dance, and he gives 100% on stage. Always. He’s the most expressive member, and you can tell he genuinely loves being there. His solo stages are usually the most festive and extravagant, and even after going solo, that never changes. KALIMYONCE.

In funny videos, it’s mostly him being clueless about certain things but still ending up succeeding. Like in their reality show, every challenge, he somehow wins. Kalim isn’t the most competitive, he just takes it easy, but somehow always wins. Hello? Ruggie calls it reverse pulling, and Epel tries it once, only to end up at #6 and fail miserably.

And no, it’s not dumb luck. He just messes around at first, no stress, but he’s actually witty. In the middle of the challenge, he suddenly switches direction and wins. Fuck around and actually found out. (A nod to Kalim’s wit during the Tamashina Mina event where he used Leona as a marketing move.)

Kalim’s strategy? Don’t stress. Calm down. It’ll work out.

Low cortisol Kalim.

People believe God has a favorite and it’s Kalim Al-Asim.

Kalim is the bias (favorite member) wrecker. He has the most insane off- and on-stage switch. For some reason, when he’s on stage, he turns into this confident, seductive, magnetic idol. Fans say that after leaving the concert, Kalim completely makes them question their bias rankings.

As a soloist, he’s wildly successful. I can see him as a performer like Michael Jackson, dancing and delivering vocals at the same time. Do you know Lay Zhang’s concert where he brings out that huge roll-out screen like parchment? That’s Kalim Al-Asim level of stage, alright. I know it. 100%.

And listen, someone definitely tries to claim to have his son at some point. Man ends up living his own Billie Jean moment 😭

For the first time in his life, Kalim doesn’t have to worry about what he eats anymore, because both you and Azul always make sure no one can lay a finger on him or the other members. Not to mention the millions of fans and the extra exposure, he now has that “celebrity protection” status. Anyone trying something would have to deal with not only the Al-Asim family, but the media and an entire fandom watching. I also believe adult Kalim would become much sharper with schemes, thanks to his experience, political ties and the way he learns to use his fame.

In his thirties, when he’s less active because he has to inherit the Al-Asim household, he says being in the group was one of the best chapters of his life. He felt free. He felt loved. And he’s always glad he said yes.

And then, a few years after his hiatus, he performs at the Spelldrive Bowl—or whatever the Twisted Wonderland version of the Super Bowl is—and the world goes wild.

King of Pop, I would say.

Ruggie Bucchi

Main Rapper

If you ask Ruggie if he ever thought his life would turn out like this, the answer is no. Fuck, he never thought he’d become a pretty boy dancing on TV.

But does he regret it?

No.

Because now he can help his grandma and the kids in his neighborhood even more.

Ruggie is loved by many for his story. For his background and where he came from. He doesn’t even try to make it inspirational. He just mentions things here and there, and people piece it together on their own.

For some reason, he manages to pull in both moms and their kids as fans.

There was this one interview outside a dome arena they were performing at. A mother and her son, both decked out in Ruggie merch from head to toe.

“I always tell my son to grow up like Ruggie. Always polite, kind, down to earth, and helping others.”

Wow.

What a patron role model.

The first million he made, he immediately bought a house for his grandma. Then he built a school. A clinic. A retirement home. An orphanage in the slums. He even started an education foundation to support bright, talented students.

As an idol, Ruggie has a very distinct style of rapping. You hear it once, and you know it’s him. He’s still not the best dancer, but he’s a hard worker and willing to do anything to keep up.

On stage, he’s probably having the most fun out of everyone. Super playful and always improvising.

He’s also the member who does the most aegyo (cute acts).

Very interactive with fans. Too interactive, honestly.

He sometimes forgets his lines because he’s too busy engaging with the crowd until Jamil has to remind him through the mic:

“Ruggie, do your line. Ruggie, sing. Ruggie—”

Well.

At least that’s how people know the group isn’t lip-syncing.

When it comes to his solo work, I think of one song that fits him perfectly:

Thrift Shop by Macklemore.

Ruggie uses it to criticize overconsumption and the materialistic lifestyle of rappers and celebrities in general. He never brags about wearing million-dollar outfits even when he himself is a brand ambassador for a luxury fashion house.

The song hits No.1 on the charts and earns him recognition from fellow rappers, including those who used to look down on idol rappers.

Lastly, Ruggie goes viral constantly for having the most random side quests. One day he is live streaming in the middle of the desert. Another day he is dancing in an old tavern in Ultramarine Town. Then someone spots him ice fishing near Briar Valley. A mom once sent her daughter a selfie with him, and the picture blew up on Magicam.

“WHAT THE FUCK IS RUGGIE BUCCHI DOING AT A BINGO HALL???”

Ace Trappola

Lead Rapper, Lead Vocalist, Center

Ace Trappola is built for entertainment. Not only is he the perfect image of an idol, he is also an amazing entertainer. He is the face of the group as the most famous member. He can sing, he can rap, he can dance. He does everything, an all-rounder. He was born with a natural talent for entertaining, and whatever he wants, he gets.

He is the Ace.

He and Ruggie are the ones who write their rap lyrics for group songs. He also helps you create the group’s music in general. His name is credited on many of their songs, and he even writes for other groups and singers, with most of them charting. He is probably the first member, aside from Kalim and maybe Jamil, to get a black card just from songwriting money alone.

He would probably be a guest judge on an idol survival show. Every show he appears on goes viral because he is naturally funny, but he enjoys filming reality shows with his members the most, where he can be the most free. His partner in crime is always Epel, and the two of them are a constant headache for their leader.

And here is the thing, Ace knows he is a big shot. His stage performances are always highly anticipated. On stage, Ace is the definition of an idol. Confident, cocky, and talented enough to back his attitude. His stage presence is massive, which is exactly why he is the center. He becomes the idol of idols (Ho, you Chappell Roan?)

I would even say he has the highest bidding photocard on eBay.

Unfortunately, at some point Ace has to take a long hiatus due to declining mental health. The announcement shocks fans. The group continues their schedule without him for a year, until he finally returns and makes a roaring comeback.

“Welcome back, asshole,” says Ruggie at their comeback concert.

When it comes to his solo career, I would say he becomes a rapper-singer, winning Grammys for his hits. And for some reason, I cannot shake the idea that mid-thirties Ace ends up in an eternal beef with someone, like Kendrick Lamar. Other rapper pisses him off once, and he just never lets it go.

Listen, Ace is usually pretty chill and minds his own business, but if someone gets on his nerves? It is over for you buddy.

Do not fuck with him.

Oh, and he headlines both Coachella and the Super Bowl.

P.S. If you do not vibe with rapper Ace, look up Don't Go Insane by DPR IAN. That Joker-like, mental struggle concept? That is Ace (Cmiiw).

Epel Felmier

Main Vocalist, Visual

Obviously, the visual. Main vocalist, and goddamn that high note. Insane vocal range. He’s featured the most on movie and drama soundtracks and even wins Best Original Soundtrack.

He is the type of idol who refuses to be called cute. He will literally shake his head when someone calls him that. He tells people to call him cool, handsome, anything but cute. Fans tease him during concerts by calling him cute, and he playfully sulks and runs away until they coax him back by calling him cool. Then he comes back and poses for them.

Lol. What a cutie.

You and Azul never force the members to be something they are not. You never assign personas because you believe authenticity is what makes the group special and more likable. So if Epel wants to be cool, then he will be cool.

Too bad our cute mouse visual sometimes gives it away (ᗒᗣᗕ)՞

He is the most chaotic member. There is always something happening with him every five minutes on their reality show. He grew up being playful with his cousins back home, so when it comes to games, he is very agile.

And he also famously cheats ദ്ദി ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ )

If you know Jeonghan from SEVENTEEN, then yes, that is basically him.

Ace calls him out multiple times, and Epel just goes, fuck you bro, you do the same.

Acepel anyone?

He is very competitive and always makes sure he does his best and beyond when it comes to games. Which is why his mortal enemy is always Kalim because what the fuck, why is this guy effortlessly winning?

He panics and gets stressed during games and needs to be reminded to take it easy from time to time.

Ruggie: “Calm down bro, it’s just a game.”

He also always goes viral when he lashes out in his accent at the members.

“YA WANT TO BE DEAD??”

When Epel goes solo, I think he would go full pop. But what people do not expect is how dirty his songs are. Like, what? Seven by Jungkook? SexyBack by Justin Timberlake?

Oh my gosh, Epel (╥﹏╥)

But of course, his fans will always defend him, as they should, because Epel is a grown adult and can do whatever he wants.

He is also known for having a close relationship with Oscar-winning actor, Vil Schoenheit, and eventually steps into acting himself. He does not take many roles, but his acting is recognized and respected by his peers.

Deuce Spade

Main Rapper

Now hear me out. Deuce has HUGE fanboys. Our youngest somehow has the deepest rapping voice, and his on-stage persona is just so cool. You know that cool dude idol type? Yeah. adghjkashjdsadkl God help me, he is so fucking hot.

He is quieter than the other members, but that does not mean he cannot be chaotic. He is a good boy and never does anything bad, but unfortunately always gets dragged into Ace or Epel’s mischief. And because he is a good boy, when something happens, he can just blame it on them and the older members will believe him.

“I DID NOTHING!” Epel screams while getting stared down by Ruggie for breaking the toilet handle that one time.

My baby bunny is effortlessly cute. His nap clip went viral when Kalim showed fans how Deuce usually naps during recordings. Curled up into a ball on the sofa, surrounded by plushies and soft blankets. Aww (ฅ́ ˘ฅ̀)♡

Even as an idol, Deuce always prioritizes his education. I would say he continues his further studies alongside his schedule. Another member with a strong mom fanbase for this exact reasons.

He attends lectures offline once in a while, and there are plenty of clips of him studying in class. When he has group projects, he often buys his classmates treats and meals.

On stage, though? WhoOoOOoOo. Who is that sexy white chocolate in da back?

He has so many fanboys that every time before he speaks, they bark for him. Deuce is obviously shy about it, but they just get louder. Sometimes the members bark with them too. Usually Ruggie.

Even though he is nice and effortlessly cute, his old delinquent side still shows sometimes. When his expression shifts, people know to be careful. This man will throw hands if needed. Most of the time he does not have to, though, because people back off the moment he looks pissed. It’s very visible.

Because of his deep voice, stage presence, personality, and solo style, he has a huge fanboy following. I imagine his songs becoming massive hits among fanboys and even breaking into mainstream media, something like FE!N by Travis Scott.

“I hope they play FE!N,” is Deuce trend.

(P.S. you can also go the Bad Bunny route if you prefer that vibe.)

He is also into blastcycles and cars, which just adds to his “manly charm.”

However, let it be known, Deuce is also known for his gentlemanly character. He respects women, always thanks his mom for his achievements, and is gentle with kids. All the members are feminists, but Deuce is especially vocal about it.

So when some bigots try to claim Deuce for their “alpha male Andrew Tate” agenda, they immediately get jumped by his fanboys.

“You are not a real Deuce fan if you do not understand his personality!”

“Get him out of your toxic masculinity agenda!”

Wow.

(Reference to that one Ruggie fanart being used by Andrew Tate. I lose a year of my life every time I remember it T_T)

And yet, no matter how hardcore you are as a Deuce fan, you will never beat his number one supporter, Epel.

(A nod to canon Epel fanboying over Deuce’s younger persona.)

“When you are in loving Deuce competition and your opponent is Epel Felmier 😒”

#goodluckdeucestan

Manager! Yuu

The group goes for a hip hop and pop style, I assume. You are not just their manager, you are their creative director. You take everything you loved from idol groups back in your world and mesh it together for the boys. Like I said, it is basically your build-your-idol setup.

Not only does the group have catchy songs, they also have insane choreography. People often accuse them of lip syncing, but it gets debunked easily by Jamil and Epel’s adlibs, Ruggie forgetting his lines, and Deuce forgetting lyrics.

Not as bad as Ace straight up rapping gibberish when he forgets the lyrics he wrote himself though.

“What is this? Ver.2?” a fan asks.

The reason your group does so well is because of how interactive they are with fans and how well they take care of what fans want.

You are the very first person to introduce photocards in albums. The albums also include photobooks, posters, and even standing acrylics sometimes. They do livestreams, fan sign events, video call events, and they are allowed to roam the internet and interact with fans, with moderation of course.

You indulge the fans with merch and fun content like variety shows. And when photocards start reselling for absurd prices, you and the members actively discourage it. It is unhealthy, after all.

On top of indulging fans, you also take extra care of what they actually need.

When hundreds of brand deals start coming in, the first conversation you have with Azul is about controlling their exposure.

One thing many entertainment companies miss is how they push idols to their limits with brand deals just to maximize profit. But you and Azul know better.

That leads to oversaturation.

And when there is oversaturation, consumer fatigue follows.

As fans, people naturally want to buy whatever their idols endorse. But imagine if your idols are everywhere. Food, clothes, products, even insurance. No one can keep up with all of that. People get tired.

And so do your boys.

This moderation allows them to rest properly and have breathing room between schedules.

So you and Azul carefully choose only a few deals that truly benefit both the company and the members. Background checks are mandatory. No bad publicity, no shady affiliations. Absolutely not.

You refuse to let anything become a liability to your boys.

In hindsight, you take good care of your idols to the point that you become the bare minimum standard for idol management. No overworking, fair distribution, balanced exposure, and respect for their personal lives.

You used to manage them directly, but as they grew bigger, you could no longer follow them everywhere. They each get personal managers. For important or risky events, Azul sends Jade or Floyd to accompany them.

You and Azul co-found Mostro Entertainment. And when your boys grow older and start building lives outside the group, it is time to raise a new generation.

You open global auditions.

Hundreds of thousands of people send in their tapes.

Good luck!

Group Trivias

Oh they are very chaotic.

Older gang - Jamil, Kalim, Ruggie

Younger gang gang - Ace, Epel, Deuce

Now fight!

Jk. but you get the idea.

When it comes to games, the most wins go to Kalim and Ace.

Epel and Ruggie are okay.

Jamil and Deuce though? Oh my god.

It’s not like Jamil is bad, you know. He often finishes challenges the fastest. It’s just that something always happens to him for some reason. He could be one step away from winning and something just… fucks it up. And it’s completely out of his control. If dumb luck exists, then Jamil has dumb unluck or whatever it’s called.

But hey, Jamil mostly doesn’t really care. It’s just a game anyway. (He’s seething inside.)

Deuce is the opposite. He tries his best but still can’t win, simply because he’s a good boy and everyone else is cheating ദ്ദി ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ )

He tries to cheat sometimes, but these cheaters are always one step ahead of him, so…

Nobody wants to be on the same team as him because they somehow always lose. Even Kalim, who never loses, ends up losing when he’s with Deuce .·°՞(っ-ᯅ-ς)՞°·.

Deuce can’t do anything except sprawl on the ground in defeat.

BUT. It does not apply when he’s on reality shows with other celebrities.

He wins.

So the problem is not him. It’s his wicked ass members.

#justicefordeuce

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Every older member has their favorite younger one. Jamil secretly has a soft spot for the mischievous rebel fox, Ace, even though he gives him so much trouble. Kalim is with Epel, and Ruggie with Deuce.

They are also split into introverts and extroverts.

Extroverts: Ruggie, Epel, Kalim

Introverts: Jamil, Deuce, Ace

Yes, people think Ace is an extrovert, but his off-camera persona is very different from his on-camera one.

The group also sings the soundtrack for a boy group animation, something like the Saja Boys. I can totally see them doing soda commercials too. Soda Pop. Fuck 😭

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

There is a long-running conspiracy that Jamil actually controls the group’s mic levels. Fans swear that whenever things get too chaotic, Jamil’s mic gets louder.

No one can prove it.

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They have a secret group chat without you. Not because they are hiding anything serious, but because “Sometimes we need to complain about you too.”

You found out.

You pretended not to.

Azul definitely knows.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

They once tried to do a “who knows you best” quiz. It ended in chaos because:

Everyone thought they knew you best

Half the answers were wrong

Ace and Ruggie started arguing about technicalities

Kalim was just happy to be there

Deuce got nervous

Jamil refused to participate halfway

You never approved that episode.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

They have a habit of exposing each other’s pre-debut stories. Especially Ace and Ruggie. Anytime one of them starts talking, another member will immediately go:

“Do you want me to tell that story?”

Instant silence.

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Jamil has threatened to leave group chats multiple times. He never actually does. But the threat alone is enough to make everyone behave for about… five minutes.

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Kalim is the only one who can casually invite people over without warning. One time he just went “Oh yeah, I invited some friends!”

“Who?”

Names that make everyone freeze.

Jamil has to do damage control immediately.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

Epel has broken at least one prop per variety show. Not on purpose. Just… energy.

Staff now prepare backups.

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Deuce is the only one staff trust with instructions.

If something needs to be done properly, they tell Deuce.

If something needs to be entertaining, they tell anyone else.

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Ruggie has a reputation for negotiating everything.

Even snacks.

Staff: “This is for everyone.”

Ruggie: “But what if I take two?”

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Ace has been caught reading his own fan comments.

He denies it every time.

There is video proof.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

They have a tradition where after every major concert, they sit together and eat. No cameras, no staff, just them.

It’s the only time they are completely quiet.

a/n: That’s as far as my brainrotting idol headcanons go, y’all. Who do you think would be your favorite? I’d personally be a Deuce stan, but Ace is so close to being my bias wrecker. Ruggie comes next. Do you have any other trivia these stupid idols would get into? LOL. Let me know, please. Come brainrot with me. See ya!