… 7.20.2017

KOREABOO: Knowing Bros records highest viewership ever with 18% with appearance of Daniel Choi

August 20th, 2017

Last night Daniel Choi made his first official debut onto a Variety Show and surprisingly among all the options chose Knowing Brothers a show still in its early stages and definitely not at the popularity as Running Man or Infinite Challenge. 

The show however after previews appeared on Naver and YouTube was broadcasted to the show’s highest ratings ever by a wide margin. The show shot to the top of the time slot with a shocking 18% of viewers tuning in all around Korea and have already uploaded clips from the show that have already hit in the millions of viewers.

Despite being the invited guest by the two T-ara members, something I will address later in the article, Daniel Choi shined the entire episode. 

From the moment he introduced himself cringing cutely at his own Dyson commercial, all the way to the end of the show, my eyes were glued to the charming and handsome athlete. 

I couldn’t agree with Sangmin more when he said “It’s easy to forget he is a pro athlete.” He was extremely funny, able to showcase his charm and talents, even showing off a newly discovered talent: his ability to skateboard. 

Now onto the somewhat controversial topic, the show originally invited the two T-ara members, Jiyeon and Eunjung, don’t get me wrong both beautiful and talented idols. 

However, with T-ara’s popularity not quite what it used to be, I would understand that they are lower on the priority of the guest list. 

So when Daniel Choi decided to join as their guest, I was quite surprised by the combination. However, I and every other viewer could quickly figure out why Daniel chose to join them. I had almost forgotten that Daniel Choi had previously stated T-ara’s Jiyeon as his ideal type. 

Over the course of the show it became very apparent that the handsome star had eyes for the pretty idol. Which is unsurprising as Heechul even explained on the show that Jiyeon was considered a very attractive to many male idols. 

However, looking at the producers, I can only wonder why they would set these two together knowing the possible backlash. Daniel cared for Jiyeon, and as moved as I was by the cute couple, many netizens did not feel the same. On forum boards many fans flocked to express their discontent:

[+39,958 -14,566] “I just watched the latest Knowing Bros episode and can’t believe the producers let T-ara’s Jiyeon be with him. Our Daniel oppa was obviously trying to just be his usual charming self and the editing made the two look so much like a couple. It was too forced and its obvious Daniel doesn’t like a has-been idol like her. Also why were they even invited? Because Jiyeon is the spokesperson? I doubt that’s the real reason he came on, I’m disappointed by Daniel’s supporting role in this episode and I think it held back his charm and talents.”

[+15,768 -7,923] “As much as I am now once again a fan of T-ara and Jiyeon, she is just not a good match for our Daniel oppa. Jiyeon who has had multiple dating rumors and even just got out of relationship seems like a horrible match for our pure Basketball Idol. I think the chemistry between the two is horrible, and the Nation’s Husband should stick to being Everyone’s Husband. Always cheering for Daniel and loved his appearance and can’t wait for more in the future.”

There are clearly many upset fans with the blatant romance between the two celebrities, which is certainly not something new with Netizens. 

Though there is no definitive proof of any actual dating between the two celebrities other than this appearance and the famous phone call clip on Happy Together, I personally just liked seeing him with female idols. It was apparent to me that Daniel had a crush on her, and who can resist his charms? 

I hope he continues to appear on more variety shows and appears with other celebrities to clear up any misunderstandings.

Your thoughts?

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Top Comments:

“I totally agree with those fans that the producers should have chosen a female idol to go along with him that isn’t scandal filled and didn’t just get out of a relationship. Daniel Choi is just too popular and big for them to carelessly throw him in with random guests whatever the relation.” 

"Daniel Oppa, please don't date her. You're too way good for her." 

“I cannot believe that so much hate is happening towards T-ara and Jiyeon all they did was go on a variety show and be loved. To me it’s clearly a crush from Daniel on the beautiful idol and who are we to deny him. If you like meeting your celebrity crush, of course you’d want to impress them, I really liked the chemistry between the two, but it seems obvious to me it’s just acting. I think it made the show funnier and more entertaining to see him and the obviously outmatched Kyunghoon compete for her.”

… 7.21.2017

SOOMPI: July Girl Group Member Brand Reputation Rankings Revealed

July 21st, 2017

Twice’s Nayeon and T-ara’s Jiyeon topped female idol brand reputation rankings for the month of July.

The Korean Business Research Institute presented their findings after gathering 31,424,347 pieces of data from April 12 to May 13, looking at indexes like media, communication, and community.

Nayeon took first place with a brand reputation index of 864,556.

Park Jiyeon came in second with a brand reputation index of 776,358.

Third place went to Apink’s Son Naeun, who received an overall brand reputation index of 769,163. 

The Rankings were:

1. Twice’s Nayeon
2. Park Jiyeon
3. Son Naeun
4. Hani
5. TWICE’s Sana
6. TWICE’s Tzuyu
7. Girl’s Day’s Yura
8. TWICE’s Jihyo
9. Apink’s Jung Eun Ji
10. Red Velvet’s Irene
11. Girls’ Generation’s Choi Sooyoung
12. Laboum's Solbin
13. TWICE’s Jungyeon
14. Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon
15. Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun
16. Gugudan’s Kim Sejeong
17. Girls’ Generation’s YoonA
18. Red Velvet’s Seulgi
19. Girl’s Day’s Hyeri
20. Oh My Girl’s YooA

The surprising jump comes with Park Jiyeon shooting to the second spot. Though T-ara draws to the end of their promotions I believe that it is the recent appearance on the show Knowing Brothers alongside popular star Daniel Choi drawing the largest viewership ever on the show. 

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Top Comments:

"Naeun Noona, I love you!" 

"Wow, I'm glad to see Jiyeon finally getting the attention she deserves after all this time."

"Jiyeon fighting! You're so pretty unnie!"

... 7.23.2017

“Who is it?” His muffled voice was almost amusing from behind his apartment door. Except that Jiyeon had bundled up in a long scarf, and a pair of sun glasses, and an oversized hoodie in the middle of summer.

With the airing of their Knowing Brother’s episode, Jiyeon had become much more cautious lately. While searches about her and T-ara had skyrocketed for the first time since the resolving of their scandal. She’d be lying if she didn’t purposely avoid reading the numerous forums that were filled with messages towards her.

She glanced at her watch, it was almost lunch time. With his time ticking down until he would leave for training camp and she would begin filming her Reality Show. They had both agreed they wanted to spend as much time together as possible together. 

Jiyeon rolled her eyes as she glared towards the peephole. 

The door cracked open, and Jiyeon was about to scold him when the aroma flooded out. Something smelled delicious. A meaty aroma that entranced her immediately, drawing her inside without any more fuss. 

“Smells good.” She remarked, quickly slipping of her shoes. Then the multiple layers of clothing she was wearing to cover up. 

She was about to investigate, turning towards the delicious fragrance emitting from the sliding kitchen doors—“Wait one second young lady.” Before she could take one step forward, a pair of strong arms wrapped themselves around her waist. The assailant, her loving boyfriend, whose biggest crime consisted of stealing her heart along those of everyone in the nation. 

“Why are you dressed so prettily today?” He inquired coyly, his naughty lips breathing against her neck. 

It was true, knowing she would spend the entire day… and night with him, she had decided on more “accessible" clothing. A loosely buttoned up blouse tucked into dark black short shorts, nicer than the sweats and t-shirts she usually lounged around the house in. 

Had Jiyeon not been so hungry, she might’ve savored the compliment. But, the call of food had already overtaken her sense of momentary romanticism. Believe her when she said she didn’t mean to head him as she dashed free from his arms. 

It wasn’t until she had already slid open the kitchen doors, and began drooling in delight over the large pieces of panfried Tomahawk Steaks that she finally realized he might be hurt. 

“Hanwoo (similar quality to Wagyu)?” She inquired playfully.

Daniel glared at her, rubbing one hand over his jaw. An immensely annoyed expression on his face. 

“Sorry.” She apologized as cutely as she could. 

He didn’t respond, slowly approaching her. 

“I love you.” She squeaked out, forming a heart over her head with her arms. 

Daniel scoffed as he stood in front of her, still rubbing his injured jaw.

“Are you ok?” 

He shook his head. “No, I spent the last 3 hours working on lunch, and this is what I get for thanks?” 

Jiyeon dipped her head, silently cursing her inner carnivore for appearing at the wrong times. Suddenly she had an idea. 

She leaped forward and cupped his face into her hands, placing her lips on his jaw. When she pulled away, she noticed a bright grin that admitted defeat. 

“Oppa, thank you.” She expressed genuinely. 

“DaeHan joa or Hanwoo joa? (Do you like me or meat more)” He offered a completely unreasonable ultimatum. 

Jiyeon smirked at his cheesiness, but slowly gave in anyways. She leaned in and savored his lips one last time. Her eyes dimming out the world around her, as she did. Somehow, it was the moments before and after that really made each kiss. The feeling of his breath on her lips, the loving gaze that bore into her. 

“You’re tastier.” She whispered in a seductive tone. 

“Alright, I accept your apology.” He acknowledged heading into the kitchen again. 

“What did you cook Daniel?” Jiyeon inquired following close behind. 

“You’ll see.” 

Jiyeon watched as he removed the pan from the stove top and brought it out onto the kitchen island. Gently resting it on a gas burner, as he beckoned for her to sit. 

She sat in front of him, and noticed the fancy wooden cutting boards and expensive utensils he had set in front of her.

“Wow.” She gasped, as she watched him disappear into the kitchen again. 

He appeared seconds later with several roasted vegetables, and what seemed to be a sort of western style fried rice. 

He bowed in front of her, a mischievous look in his eyes, combined with his charming smile. 

“Welcome guests, my name is Choi Dae Han, I will be your chef for tonight.” 

Jiyeon giggled immediately, barely able to muffle herself with her hand.

“A little about my qualifications: I practiced culinary arts after one Gen-Ed while attending New York University for 2 years, and would classify my expertise as American with a hint of Korean and European influences.” 

She almost toppled over clutching her chest as she listened to him imitate a fancy chef. 

“Yes, thank you.” She calmed herself enough to play along.

“Tonight I’ll be serving a course meal of Hanwoo Ribeye steak, that has been sous vide at room temperature for 6 hours.” Truth be told, Jiyeon no longer had any clue what he was talking about. But watching him speak with his cute apron, that emphasized his broad shoulders and tiny face made her swoon. 

He started the gas stove and began basing the expensive steak with garlic and butter. The delicious aromas mixing together and creating a party in each whiff.

“On the side you’ll see freshly roasted Asparagus along with a side of mushroom fried rice, I think you’ll find it perfectly fits your tastes.” He assured her, a gleam in his confident eyes. 

At this point, part of her wished he would stop. It wasn’t the fact that his playful ego was higher than most humans. It was the fact that he could back it up. 

He was really cooking, like a real professional chef… in front of her. Without even taking a single bite, the smell told her it was delicious. Nation’s Husband. 

It was like he was subtly gloating in front of her all the reasons he was too good for her. 

“Can you turn it down a little?” She subconsciously requested, dipping her head. 

Daniel’s face showed concern as he completely misread her, and turned down the heat of the gas burner. 

“Is it too hot?” He worried, leaning forward with his hand hovering over her forehead. “Do you feel sick?”

“No, I meant the show.”

“Too much theatrics? Sorry, I thought It’d be funny.” He immediately expressed, a genuine remorse appearing on his face. “Sorry Jiyeon.” 

Jiyeon, quickly shook off whatever worries she had flowing through her head. 

“No, It’s fine. I’m fine.” She tried to lift the already spoiled mood. 

“What’s wrong?” He inquired as he lifted the meat off the pan and onto the cutting board. 

A year ago she might’ve buried it. Hidden her genuine worries under a mask. But that wasn’t their relationship. “It’s stupid.”

“No, if it’s worrying you, it can’t be stupid.” Daniel assured her. 

Jiyeon watched as his hands skillful handled the knife, slicing easily through the perfectly charred steak. A red-ish pink interior surrounded by a golden brown exterior. Just seeing it made her start to forget her worries. 

“It’s just, why are you so good?” She questioned. 

Instead of his usual boasting, Daniel shook his head adamantly in response. 

“I watched videos and googled recipes for the past three days. I knew that we couldn’t meet until today, and I wanted to really make it special.” He admitted scratching his nape. 

“Let’s just say yesterday for lunch and dinner I ate an overcooked and undercooked steak.” 

She nodded slowly, at his goofy smile. Even if it was still unreal how easily see learned how to do things. Hearing his failed attempts, made him sound more human.

“So, don’t get any weird thoughts in your cute little head of yours.” He chided her lovingly. 

Jiyeon slowly lifted her expression, her grin returning as he plated the food in front of her. They began eating as Jiyeon leaped on praises. 

“It’s really good. Want a bite?” 

Daniel leaned his head towards her and opened his mouth. Jiyeon held a piece of steak close enough to brush his lips, but snatched it away as he tried to bite down. 

She giggled as she watched his expression change. He chuckled before sprinting around the counter, towards her. Wincing in delight, Jiyeon almost tipped over on the stool, but thankfully Daniel arrived in time to steady her with his hands. 

“Careful.” He scolded her softly, as Jiyeon breathed out, shaken by their close encounter. Then a look of mischief appeared in on his face, and he bent down and snatched the piece of meat from her fork with his teeth. 

He smirked smugly before placing his hand on her wrist, and guiding her hand to another piece of meat. She was forced to pick it off the plate, and watched in horror as it disappeared once again into his mouth.

“Mmm.” 

“Ya! Didn’t you already have two steaks yesterday?” Jiyeon whined, ignoring the uncut piece of steak still resting in the pan.

“It’s hanwoo.” Daniel appealed, taking a seat at the kitchen island next to her. 

“Eat your own then.” Jiyeon hunched over her plate defending it with her arms. 

Daniel began to laugh as he nodded. 

“What?” 

“If I’m good at cooking, then isn’t it unfair how good you are at being cute?” He reasoned grinning goofily.

Jiyeon blushed, but sighed as best she could to mask the smile that had formed on its own. “It’s not the same thing.”

“How is it different?” Daniel demanded, looking genuinely curious.

“Well for one.” She tried her best to remain annoyed. But seeing him sitting, one elbow on the table, posing handsomely his head leaning on one knuckle. You try making a point, while his large eyes stare at you, they make you feel like you’re the only person in the entire world. 

“That’s cheating.” She complained, but giggling as she took another bite. 

Daniel leaned over, and began to run his hands through her hair, brushing long strands of hair behind her ear. 

“I’m just saying, don’t ever take yourself for granted. I’ve never once looked at you and thought I’m better than you in any way. Jiyeon-a, you’re special. I love you.” Hearing him say it, no matter how many times he repeated it. It still made her naive heart flutter, like the first time he said it. 

…

Jiyeon pressed her hands against his chest, pushing him deeper against the sofa cushions. He was annoyingly silent, a mischievous grin on his lips as she forced him stationary. She knew full well, if she didn’t, he’d do all the cleaning himself. 

“Just watch something. Please.” She demanded turning on the television and handing him the remote. 

“Alright, alright.” He assured her, a hearty chuckle coming out. 

Satisfied with his promise, Jiyeon returned to the counter and flipped on the faucet and began soaking the dishes. 

As she started washing and rinsing, she could hear the faint sound of the most recent Running Man airing. 

When she had finally finished, she saw that it was about 3 pm. The TV was still on, but she could no longer see the outline of his wide back resting on the sofa. Sighing she placed the leftovers in the refrigerator, and noticed that while he had several different containers of food. Fresh ingredients and vegetables, he didn’t have any alcohol. She realized his golden reputation had its down sides on her way to the couch. 

Despite the entertaining show playing on the large screen, Daniel lay motionless on the long sofa. He looked surprisingly peaceful, his handsome resting face facing directly towards the ceiling. Jiyeon carefully crept towards him, not wanting to disturb his sleep.

She knelt beside him, her face hovering over his, and began delicately fixing his hair. Over the summer it had grown considerably longer than before, his long bangs reaching past his eyes. She was tempted to rest her head against his chest, the lazy white henley shirt exposing his muscular upper body beneath it.

Suddenly, his hand reached forward, swiftly clenching her wrist between his long fingers. “Jiyeon-a.” He whispered, his eyes finally opening. 

“Oppa.” She slid her hands to his cheeks, gently caressing him. “Are you tired?”

Daniel began to rub his eyes, as he struggled to raise his back from the pillow. 

“Did you workout this morning?” Jiyeon inquired, wondering why he seemed so fatigued.

He nodded in response. “Mmm.”

“You should be more careful when you workout, you might hurt yourself.” She chided him meekly, not wanting to sound like she was scolding him. 

He grinned goofily and adorably puffed out his large chest. “How else can I impress you, if I don’t have a nice body anymore?” 

Jiyeon giggled shaking her head. 

Suddenly, he tugged again, his eyes beckoning for her to join him. 

“There’s not enough room.” 

Daniel scooted backwards on the sofa, creating just enough room for Jiyeon to squeeze next to him. Her back now completely squished against his front, she felt his arms tightly wrap around her waist. 

It was oddly comfortable, just the feeling of being in his arms… however cramped it was. She gently closed her eyes, allowing his manly scent and warm breathe lull her to sleep. 

“I love you.” She could hear him faintly whisper into her ear. Even the soft and gentle voice made her feel heart leap with excitement.

She squeezed her eyes even tighter, unsure of what might ensue if she allowed him to continue seducing her. 

Then, minutes later, there was silence. “Oppa?”

He was asleep. Jiyeon elected to just enjoy his warmth, quietly watching the ongoing Sunday Night Variety shows that she frequented

Running Man would air, then 2 Days and 1 Night, then Jieun’s ongoing JTBC show Hyori’s Bed and Breakfast, then My Little Old Boy, then the most recent show she’d been watching Problematic Men. 

Her eyes glued to the screen, giggling as quietly as she could, while watching the entertaining programs, the afternoon slowly drifted away. 

By the time it cut to a commercial break for 2 Days and 1 Night she noticed it was already 6:30. 

“Oppa?” She slowly shifted around, gently shaking his shoulders.

 He yawned as his eyes finally opened. “Yes?” 

“Are you awake?” 

“Yah, are you bored?”

Jiyeon only smiled, knowing that just flashing her teeth could communicate to her boyfriend her situation. 

“Alright, should we eat?” 

Jiyeon who had been working tirelessly for their upcoming appearances and concerts wanted to do something fun.

“Let’s do something fun.” 

Daniel’s eyes narrowed, his large brown orbs squinting deeply into hers. “What? You’re the one who said we should stay inside.” 

“I know, but I want to do something fun.” 

He sighed. “Sure, what do you want to do?” 

Jiyeon pondered slightly, before glancing back towards the TV. “Let’s play games, and the loser has to go pick up food and alcohol.”

There was genuine curiosity in the competitive boy’s eyes. “I’m all ears, but you know that there’s a reason I’m a professional athlete. I hate losing, especially if it means I have to go out. Don’t you know how hot it is?”

She knew that there was very few things he wasn’t talented at, or could pick up easily. But, desperation for dinner could make any women excel at things. “I know, don’t go easy on me either.”

“Alright, you pick first.” Daniel offered, as they both sat upright on the sofa.

Jiyeon’s first pick was the Cham Cham Cham game. A luck based game that had very little to do with skill. Taking advantage of the sleep still in his eyes, Jiyeon won easily. 

She jumped up excitedly as she pointed towards him and stuck her tongue out childishly. 

“Alright, my turn to pick.” Daniel grinned. “I’ve been practicing this recently.”

He promptly disappeared from the living room, and reappeared with a small plastic box with gong-gi stones (Korean dice game) inside. 

“You know that I’ve been playing this on different variety shows since I was young right?” Jiyeon challenged. 

“Then I guess It’ll be 2-0.” 

It turned out, his large hands we’re an extreme advantage to balancing and snatching the gong-gi stones. It meant that Jiyeon watched helplessly as Daniel balanced and tossed the 5 stones into the air… before catching all five once again into his palm.

“1-1.” Daniel taunted playfully. 

Jiyeon let out a tiny groan, falling onto her bottom in frustration. Watching him grin arrogantly as he leaned back against the sofa. She glanced towards the window, night had fallen upon the bustling city, and she knew it would undoubtedly be cold outside. 

“Let’s do bottle cap flicking.” Jiyeon eyed her opponent in the eyes. 

She wasn’t a predator, but it didn’t take any animalistic instincts to sense fear. They had once played the game before, and she knew his large fingers actually hindered him. They moved up to the coffee table, clearing out the tissue box and magazines neatly stacked on top. She placed a piece of tape around the 3/4 mark of the table. 

“It just has to pass this line to count.” She remarked, staring at Daniel who was deep in focus. 

He unscrewed two bottle caps off bottles of sparkling water and set it on the table in front of them. 

It was a game of control. Jiyeon was confident in this game, especially when the stakes were so high. 

“Rock paper scissors to go first.” 

Jiyeon hid her hand behind her back, she knew that going first meant a huge advantage to her opponent. If she won this, she practically secured the game.

“an hamyeon jineun geoya rock, paper, scissors!” She confidently spouted her decision. Throwing scissors at the very end. 

He’s panicked, when he panics, Daniel will go with paper. She knew this could seal the game. 

“No!” 

Daniel slumped his shoulders his hands forming paper in front of them. 

“You’re going first!” Jiyeon began to laugh heartily, as she watched him crawl towards the end of the coffee table. He set his cap in front of her and lowered his face to the table level, complete focus in his narrowed eyes.

His fingers slowly moved to the green bottle cap, as he gently flicked it. The cap raced forward but wasn’t strong enough to even be considered close enough to the line. 

“Nice!” Jiyeon beamed with joy as she hastily pushed him aside and set her bottle cap on the table. Feeling complete control over the situation now. 

She lowered her own face to the table, her eyes charting out the exact distance to flick the cap, just enough to cross the line, not too hard to slide off the table. 

“Jiyeon-a! Jiyeon-a!” He began childishly calling her name to try and distract her.

Jiyeon tuned it out, her focus on winning the game, her competitive side forcing her to abandon her lover for the current moment. 

She readied to flick, and right as her ring finger made contact with the plastic cap, she felt his arms wrap around her waist. The weight of his strong body, pile onto her back. “I love you.”

She winced at that moment, and the cap slid only centimeters from where it started. 

“YA!” Jiyeon shouted at his dirty play.

But Daniel wasn’t listening he was grinning in amusement at her mistake. 

“Alright I’ll go first again.” He slowly moved back to the table and taunted her slightly with his gaze, daring her to do the same. 

“I will.” Jiyeon grumbled. “Don’t think I won’t.” 

Waiting for the exact moment, Jiyeon planted her lips on his cheek right as he flicked the cap. But he wasn’t flustered at all, instead he instantly cupped her face as if expecting her, and pushed her against the ground with him. 

He began excitedly savoring her lips, as she felt his tongue force his way into . She couldn’t resist it for even a second, as she reciprocated his feelings with her own desperation. Her hands sliding comfortably to his nape, blocking out the rest of the world as they continued their passionate kiss. 

There was something about him, the way he expressed his love at every passing moment. Would it ever change? From the first time they had met to now, he had remained consistent in his feelings. 

He told her she was special to him. Myungsoo had said the same. She wondered what trait about herself made them both say that. Was she really special? She knew that questioning herself would only hurt both of them, but sometimes she wished she understood. 

“I love you.” He whispered finally pulling away, both of them gasping for breath. “And I’m sorry.”

Jiyeon, realized she had blanked out from his sudden kiss. Completely forgetting the game they were playing. 

“Sorry?” She wondered aloud, before shooting upright and staring at the table— in horror.

Balancing on the edge of the coffee table was his bottle cap. It seemed almost impossible to be any farther without falling off.

“No way.” She gasped. 

“Soft touch.” Daniel boasted, his goofy grin that Jiyeon realized now, why it made so many opponent upset. 

Jiyeon flicked her cap anyways, and watched in defeat as it barely stumbled across the line.

“What am I craving today?” Daniel wondered aloud, rubbing in his victory as best he could. “Should I ask for something from Ittaewon? There’s a good Kalbi restaurant there.” 

Jiyeon knew that Ittaewon meant she would have to drive across the Hangang bridge and back. But a deal was a deal.

“Just choose.” She mumbled, pursing her lips and bowing her head in defeat. 

“Ya, I’m kidding.” He suddenly whispered once again leaning his head into her shoulder. “Just go downstairs and get some alcohol, I’ll worry about dinner.”

Jiyeon grinned knowing from the start, that Daniel was too weak hearted to make her suffer. 

“I know.”

“It’s cold outside, take my sweater from over there.” He pointed towards a hoodie that he had lazily draped over a coat rank and she took his white Givenchy hat next to it.

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I've been out these past two weeks after getting my wisdom teeth. But I'm starting to write again, i hope you enjoy the chapter, mainly just more fluff.