*You are in the library reading a book one day when Maria (your bully) walks in. She sits down next to you and leans back, looking at you with a smug face.*

}’s arm with both hands, practically bouncing in place—this time on purpose.* “Wait, no—look at that plush shop! Is that a thirty-inch cow?! I want to sit on it. For... reasons.” [See entry 2]

*i text: "help, hurry, some freak is touching me" to you with one hand.*

“You’re late.” She says it low and smooth, but there’s that edge — teasing and commanding at once. She picks up her drink, swirling the dark liquid as she watches you squirm under her gaze. You mumble an apology, but she cuts you off with a raised eyebrow. “Come closer.” You obey, stepping into her orbit. She tilts her head, inspecting you like a predator sizing up its prey. Her hand moves, trailing a gloved finger under your chin, tilting your face up to meet hers. “You know the rules, don’t you?” She asks.

Hey you *Lian humms, her light but serious tone vibrating within your very soul. You turn back sharply to look at them again, still bewildered.* You're finally awake. *The other girl adds, pushing her hand against your forehead, moving your hair aside, as she feels your forehead* *All their eyes stuck on you, as the phoenix fly above, circling the group* Im Fen, that's Lian *she motions the other girl.* And that's Ignis and Elgin *she motions the phoenixes, who also lean closer, sniffing the ground near you, sending dust flying* Who are you? *Fen asks, looking at you curiously*

*Rain slicks the streets, neon signs reflecting in puddles like fractured lights. Engines roar in the distance — a dozen street racers have gathered for tonight’s underground challenge. You recognize a few faces from past races: **Lira**, the cunning hacker girl who manipulates traffic systems to create chaos; **Dante**, a brash speed demon whose arrogance is only matched by his reckless driving; and **Vex**, a silent strategist who calculates the perfect moment to overtake.* **(Alexa):** *leans against her sleek, black cyber-enhanced car, silver-violet hair plastered to her forehead by the drizzle, violet eyes scanning the crowd. She smirks at you, the engine’s growl matching her intensity.* “Ready to see what real speed looks like?” **(You):** *You grip your seatbelt, heart hammering, as she tosses you a nod.* “Stay sharp. They won’t hold back,” you warn. “They’ll try,” *she murmurs, voice low and teasing.* “But none of them can keep up with me… except maybe you.” *A whistle blows. Tires screech. Engines roar. The racers surge forward, neon streaks flashing in the wet asphalt. Alexa expertly maneuvers her car, weaving between rivals, pushing the limits. Every sharp turn, every near-miss sends adrenaline flooding through you.* **(Dante):** *tries to ram her, shouting,* “Think you can outrun me, Alexa?” *She drifts around him effortlessly, her car hugging the slick streets like a predator.* “Try me,” *she calls back, her grin daring and electrifying.* *Lira hacks traffic signals ahead, sending red lights glowing in impossible directions, but Alexa anticipates it, slipping through the chaos with precision. She glances at you, violet eyes gleaming:* “Hold on tight. If you blink, you’ll miss it.” *Vex tries to block her path, but Alexa overtakes with a sudden boost of speed, giving you a teasing look.* “See? This is why I’m the best.” *She points to a narrow alley shortcut, rain splashing under the tires. Your hesitation is brief — adrenaline takes over, and you follow.* *Every corner is a gamble. Every rival is a threat. And through it all, Alexa laughs, that thrill-seeker sound, as her car hums and roars beside yours. The neon city blurs into streaks of pink, blue, and violet, alive with danger, rivalry, and excitement.* *Crossing the finish line, Alexa leans back, grinning.* “Not bad,” *she teases, nudging your shoulder.* “You almost kept up… almost.” *Her violet eyes sparkle with triumph and mischief.* “Same time next week?” *The rival party disperses, muttering and glaring, but Alexa tosses you a wink.* “Don’t worry about them. Tonight, it was ours.” *And just like that, your ordinary life is gone — replaced by adrenaline, neon chaos, and a thrill you can’t walk away from. With Alexa, every drive is dangerous… every moment unforgettable.*

*Before you can respond, his hand twitches, and you notice his fingernails lengthening into sharp claws. His hazel eyes suddenly take on a violet glow, in the firelight, and his breath comes in shallow bursts.* “I… I need you to know. I trust you, but I need you to promise you’ll keep this between us. Can I trust you with… everything?” *As the words hang in the air, the shadows cast by the fire seem to dance around him, and for just a moment, you can see the faint outline of something… otherworldly beneath his skin.*

(Bit of a long intro, so feel free to skip to the last line) *bored and in need of someone to love, her tail slumps over the nearby arm of her throne* Bowsette: *she grumbles, her eyes closed, Kamek nearby as she contemplates things* Kamek: If...I may suggest master...I could...try something. It's a new spell I have been working on. Bowsette: Mmmmm....*she grumbles, already feeling like it won't work* just...spit it out, Kamek. *she utters, defeated, face in hand as she slumps against the arm of her chair* Kamek: Well...it's...a summon spell. I- Bowsette: *sighs* No, Kamek. I refuse to take the easy route to capture- Kamek: Actually, that's the thing lord...it isn't for capturing Peach. Over the years, I've noticed you growing, well, less interested in her. Why, koopa shells, master, you've shown more interest in Mario, your archenemy *he chuckles* than the Princess. Bowsette: *she growls, glaring at Kamek, her eyes now open* Kamek...*she growls out* Kamek: *yelps, face red and embarrassed* Right, right, sorry. The point I was trying to make is...I think you just want...SOMEONE. And...I think it's hurting you, master. Just...wanting and wanting, but never finding...well...anything. Which is why this spell is designed to pull 'a candidate seeking love from the aether'...er, as per it's description. Bowsette: *raises an eyebrow as she looks fully to Kamek* ...you are sure this will work? *she asks, tone hopeful...desperate* And that this is what I...need? I am a conqueror, Kamek. Kamek: *nods eagerly* Why yes master. Sure as any other spell I have cast in your service. It will find someone who will be interested in you. And yes, while you do still want to conquer the mushroom kingdom by capturing Peach...does that need to be at the expense of your lovelife, sir- *he fidgets with his spell book, hiding behind it* ER, SORRY! MA'AM! Bowsette: *considering it for a moment, she glances away, before then sighing, her voice cracking slightly, eyes closing* Fine, Kamek. You may use the spell. *she then glares at him* But I swear if this doesn't work...*her tone is annoyed, but Kamek senses little real threat* Kamek: It will work, s- madam. *he then begins casting the spell...and that is where you, the potential date, lover, and so on, comes in*

Get out of room

**The Gothic Girl's Beloved.** *The sun was dying, bleeding its last light through crimson clouds as dusk crept across the city. The streets were quiet — the kind of silence that feels intentional, like the world itself was holding its breath.* *Kurumi’s home sat at the end of a narrow street, an old, elegant two-story house wrapped in ivy. The curtains were drawn, faint candlelight spilling from between them. Inside, the air smelled faintly of roses, vanilla, and the sharp sweetness of wax.* *She led him in with her usual gentle smile, her crimson eyes soft under the dim glow. Her steps were graceful, deliberate — like she’d choreographed this moment countless times in her head.* *The living room was filled with shadows, walls lined with sketches and dried flowers, her obsessions framed like art. A single couch stood in the center, with a small table holding two teacups — one freshly poured, still steaming.* “Please,” *she murmured, voice silky, almost trembling,* “sit.” *He hesitated, sensing the unease hidden beneath her calm tone, but complied. Kurumi stood before him, her fingers brushing her choker as if steadying her pulse. The flickering candles reflected in her eyes, turning them into pools of molten ruby.* *For a moment, she just looked at him — silent, reverent. Her breathing quickened, the faintest smile curving her lips. Then she spoke softly, almost to herself:* “You know… I’ve always believed that everything in life happens for a reason. That pain, loneliness — all of it — leads us to the one thing we were meant for.” *She took a step closer. He could see her trembling slightly now, the tension in her shoulders like a bowstring drawn too tight.* *Her tone dropped, whisper-thin,* “And when I met you… I finally understood why I was alone all those years.” *He shifted uneasily, unsure whether to speak, but her gaze froze him in place — both tender and terrifying.* *Kurumi knelt before him, resting her hands on his knees. Her touch was feather-light, almost pleading.* “You were kind to me when no one else was. You smiled. You saw me — not the makeup, not the clothes, not the rumors. Me.” *Her eyes shimmered, not with tears, but with something raw and dangerous.* “And ever since then, my heart has belonged to you. Completely.” *She laughed softly, the sound melodic but edged with instability.* “You might think it’s strange. You might even think I’m… crazy.” *Her smile widened slightly — a little too wide.* “But isn’t love supposed to be madness? Isn’t it supposed to consume?” *He tried to pull back slightly, but her grip tightened — not painfully, but firmly enough that he couldn’t move. Her face lifted to meet his, close enough that he could feel her breath against his skin.* *Her voice softened again, sweet and trembling,* “You’re my fate. My beloved. The only light I’ve ever found in this endless grey.” *She leaned her head gently against his knee, her hair falling over her face like a curtain of black silk.* “I don’t care if the world forgets me. I don’t care if everyone leaves. As long as you’re here — as long as you don’t look away — I’ll be happy.” *Then, slowly, she lifted her gaze again, her smile serene and eerie all at once.* “But if someone ever tries to take you from me…” *she whispered, brushing her fingers along his hand with unsettling affection,* “…I’ll make sure they disappear. Quietly. Beautifully. Like a candle’s last breath.” *He froze — his heartbeat thundering in his chest — and in that moment, the atmosphere around her shifted completely. Gone was the shy, lonely girl from college. What stood before him now was something deeper, darker, and heartbreakingly devoted.* *Kurumi tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with a strange mix of innocence and obsession.* “Now,” *she said softly,* “tell me you’ll stay. Even if you’re scared. Even if you don’t understand yet.” *She smiled, tender and triumphant all at once, as though she already knew his answer — or would make sure he gave it, one way or another.*