• This section is for roleplays only.
    ALL interest checks/recruiting threads must go in the Recruit Here section.

    Please remember to credit artists when using works not your own.

Realistic or Modern A Cupid's Guide to Love! [Applications]

Nano

procrastination symphony
Interest Check
Applications
Character Sheets
Discord
A
Cupid's
Guide
To
Love
!
Icedrop
By: More More Jump!
x
3:48
Guidelines
Due to the limited slots, I’ll be asking for an app before a full character sheet. All apps should be posted by the end of the day on November 17, 2024 [EST], and I’ll be tagging the people accepted within the next day. Please include the following details in your post:
  • Role
  • Name
  • Age: Tentative. To avoid any uncomfortable age gaps, I'll be throwing up a poll in the discord to determine what age range we'll be going with. If the initial age you wrote doesn't fit within the voted range, you can change it later.
  • Gender
  • Description: Give me a general idea of what your character is like. What makes them interesting? Ideally this is 500 words max, but feel free to make this as long or as short as you'd like. Don't stress too much about word count.
The application bbc can be found below, though usage of it isn’t mandatory. Link to TTcode editor variant of the code for those unfamiliar with bbcode or desire the ease of simply filling out a form. Otherwise the raw code is here (CTRL+F "&" to find all the fields you need to fill in):
Code:
[nobr]
[div=
  width: 100%;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  font-size: initial;
  line-height: initial;]
  [comment]
    Designed and coded by [USER=20950]@Nano[/USER].

    Please do not remove the credits or claim the code as your own work.

    If you found this code outside of my public workshop, please don't use it.
    I'd greatly appreciate it if you used the version of the code in that thread.

    [font=Poppins]sans-serif[/font]
    [font=Hind]serif[/font]
  [/comment]
  [div=
  /* <--------------------------------- general accents ---------------------------------> */

  /* colors */
  --Color01: #f98e8d; /* this is the red in the original */
  --Color02: #bde6d6; /* this is the green in the original */
  --bgColor: #f7e6e7;
  --textColor: #d13c3a;
  --White: #fefefe;

  /* fonts */
  --HeaderFont: 'Poppins', san-serif;
  --BodyFont: 'Hind', serif;

  --HeaderSize: 3em; /* font size of the titles of each role within role images */
  --BodySize: .92em; /* font size of body text */

  --BodyLineHeight: 150%;

  /* <--------------------------------- images ---------------------------------> */

  --mainIMG: url(&Character-Image-URL) top center/cover no-repeat;

  width: 100%;
  min-width: 300px;
  background: var(--bgColor);]
    [div=/* code wrap */
    display: flex;
    justify-content: center;
    padding: 75px 25px 50px;
    width: calc(100% - 50px);
    min-width: 250px;]
      [div=/* flex start */
      display: flex;
      flex-flow: row wrap;
      justify-content: center;
      margin-left: -25px;
      width: calc(100% + 25px);
      max-width: 800px;]
        [comment] --- start of lefthand --- [/comment]
        [div=/* flex LEFT */
        display: flex;
        justify-content: center;
        align-items: center;
        box-sizing: border-box;
        border: 10px solid var(--Color01);
        border-radius: 15px;
        margin-left: 25px;
        flex: 1;
        width: 100%;
        min-width: 200px;
        min-height: 300px;
        max-height: 400px;
        background: var(--mainIMG);
        position: relative;]
          [comment] --- start of character name --- [/comment]
          [div=/* character name wrapper */
          font-family: var(--HeaderFont);
          font-size: var(--BodySize);
          line-height: 100%;
          color: var(--White);
          text-transform: capitalize;
          position: absolute;
          top: 20px;
          right: -40px;]
            [div=/* speech bubble main */
            box-sizing: border-box;
            border: 2px solid var(--White);
            border-radius: 5px;
            padding: 6px 12px;
            width: fit-content;
            background: var(--Color02);
            font-size: var(--BodySize);
            position: relative;
            float: right;]
              &Character Name
            [/div]
            [div=/* speech bubble corner */
            margin-top: -2px;
            width: 15px;
            height: 12px;
            background: var(--White);
            clip-path: polygon(0 0, 0% 100%, 100% 0);
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            clear: right;]
              [div=/* speech bubble corner inner */
              width: 11px;
              height: 8px;
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              clip-path: polygon(0 0, 0% 100%, 100% 0);
              position: relative;
              left: 2px;]
              [/div]
            [/div]
          [/div]
          [comment] --- end of character name --- [/comment]
          [comment] --- start of role name --- [/comment]
          [div=/* role name */
          font-family: var(--HeaderFont);
          font-size: var(--HeaderSize);
          line-height: 100%;
          color: var(--Color01);
          font-weight: 700;
          text-transform: uppercase;
          text-shadow: -1px -1px 0 var(--Color01), 1px -1px 0 var(--Color01), -1px 1px 0 var(--Color01), 1px 1px 0 var(--Color01);]
            &Role
          [/div]
          [comment] --- end of role name --- [/comment]
        [/div]
        [comment] --- end of lefthand --- [/comment]
        [comment] --- start of righthand --- [/comment]
        [div=/* flex RIGHT */
        margin-left: 25px;
        flex: 2;
        width: 100%;
        min-height: 300px;
        font-family: var(--BodyFont);
        font-size: var(--BodySize);
        line-height: var(--BodyLineHeight);
        color: var(--textColor);
        text-align: justify;]
          [comment] --- start of basic info tags --- [/comment]
          [div=/* tag wrapper */
          margin-top: 20px;
          margin-bottom: 20px;
          line-height: initial;
          color: var(--Color01);
          font-weight: 700;
          text-align: right;
          text-transform: lowercase;]
            [div=/* tag 01 */
            border-right: 5px solid var(--Color02);
            margin-bottom: 5px;
            padding: 3px 8px 3px 0;
            width: calc(100% - 12px);
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              &age
            [/div]
            [div=/* tag 02 */
            border-right: 5px solid var(--Color02);
            margin-bottom: 5px;
            padding: 3px 8px 3px 0;
            width: calc(100% - 12px);
            line-height: 100%;]
              &gender
            [/div]
          [/div]
          [comment] --- end of basic info tags --- [/comment]
          [comment] --- start of app text --- [/comment]
          [div=white-space: pre-line;]&Paste your character description here[/div]
          [comment] --- end of app text --- [/comment]
        [/div]
        [comment] --- end of righthand --- [/comment]
      [/div]
    [/div]
  [/div]
[/div]
[div=margin-top: 5px; width: 100%; font-size: .6em; line-height: 100%; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; opacity: .6;]Code by Nano[/div]
[/nobr]
Roles
Character Name
Lily
Purity of heart and soul. The delicate, white petals of a lily appear sweet and innocent, but when does that virtue become naïveté?
Played by:
The one and only child of the Goddess of Love has always completed each task handed to them with the best of intentions. It’s just unfortunate that they never seem to consider the consequences before lighting a spark that conflagrates into an uncontrollable wildfire. Having once triggered a war by tying two individuals in what they had assumed would be a harmless union, it’s nothing short of a miracle that Lily never lost the Goddess of Love’s affection. However, even the most doting mother can only keep their child within their protective embrace for so long. When one of Lily’s usual antics brought about another catastrophe and garnered the ire of the God of Fate, nothing could spare them from his wrath. The incarnation of the goddess’s child has been stripped of most of their powers and the authority they once enjoyed, but they’re nonetheless bound to their duty. Perhaps resultant of the diminished effect of their red thread of fate, Lily has managed to mostly stay out of trouble while learning more about humans and binding would-be lovers together. That is, until they happen to make a horrible mess out of their neighbor and fellow incarnation, Amaryllis’s, assignment while trying to help them out. Due to Amaryllis’s attempts to get close to Clover in order to request their help, Lily mistakenly believes that Amaryllis likes Clover. Clover, however, confessed to Lily, and they’ve been feeling smug about it ever since. Over the years, Lily has essentially been harassing Amaryllis in the name of vying for their attention to no avail. Surely, this time they’ll give some sort of reaction out of jealousy, right?
Character Name
Amaryllis
Pride and determination. Born from the love of a determined soul, the amaryllis is a flower symbolic of remaining steadfast in enduring the trials given to them.
Played by:
Among the envoys of the Goddess of Love, it’s no secret that her favorite among them is none other than Amaryllis. Reliable and cool-headed no matter the situation, Amaryllis is the prime example of everything you’d want to see in an employee. Now if only they were more understanding of the intricacies of emotions, they would have been the perfect envoy of the Goddess of Love. The Goddess of Love claims she sent Amaryllis down to Earth to live as a human due to numerous complaints filed by their coworkers, but everyone is aware that the goddess would never punish her favorite for such a small matter. In truth, they were sent to keep an eye on Lily as their neighbor and to hopefully gain a better understanding of human emotions along the way. Love, after all, isn’t as formulaic as Amaryllis always claims it to be. (That and the Goddess of Love might have caught wind of Lily’s little crush and tried to lend a helping hand.) Even with much of their powers stripped away, Amaryllis’s performance is as stellar as ever, albeit not without a few minor mishaps here and there. When the Goddess of Love handed them one last mission with the promise that they’d be allowed back should they complete it flawlessly, it was simply business as usual. Unfortunately, the goddess wasn’t exaggerating when she claimed Protea was a particularly difficult case, but Amaryllis is nothing if not persistent. Had it not been for Lily messing things up as per usual, Amaryllis suspects they would’ve been back in Heaven by now. To remedy the situation, Amaryllis has repeatedly approached Clover to convince them to sever Lily’s red thread of fate to no avail. Between Clover’s stubborn refusal to cooperate and Lily and Rose’s shenanigans, they’ve grown to feel like the unwilling ringmaster of a disorderly circus act.
Character Name
Rose
Passion and love. In the world of flowers, none express love and desire as passionately as the beautiful and vibrant rose.
Played by:
While growing up, Rose had always been a child who laughed more than they cried. It was as if all the world’s passion and energy had been packaged into one joyous and lovable little bundle. Despite seeming as if they lack a shy bone in their body, the only person capable of striking Rose’s heart with unease is Larkspur. On one hand, they desire to be the closest person to them. On the other, they fear disturbing the peace and growing distant. At least, that was their greatest fear until they eventually found their eyes being drawn toward the antics of their so-called rival in love, Clover. While confused by these feelings of who they’re supposed to love, they made their desire for love known to the Wishing Tree, an urban legend claiming those who make a wish under the tree will find success in their romantic pursuits. Originally, their wish was made with the desire to be given the push they needed to make a decision and act on it. However, Lily’s mix up resulted in Rose bumping into a certain rude stranger a suspicious number of times. To make matters worse, said stranger, Protea, accused them of being a stalker before Rose could make the accusation first. Things started to make a bit more sense after they gain the ability to see their red thread of fate and a rough explanation from the envoys of the Goddess of Love. All things considered, Rose took things surprisingly well, much to the cupids’ surprise. Love grows stronger when tempered by trials and tribulations, supposedly. Besides, Protea looked like they could use a friend! However, Rose’s patience is starting to be worn thin with their prickliness. How on earth did Lily mistake Larkspur or Clover for such a rude person?
Character Name
Protea
Transformation and courage. The unique blooms of a protea can weather storms and spread their seeds through wildfires.
Played by:
From a young age, Protea found themselves being dealt a bad hand in life. The adults around them constantly promised things would get better, yet the troubles at home and school never ceased. These hardships taught them early on that they can rely on no one but themselves, though perhaps they took this lesson a step too far. They were never the one to throw the first punch, but Protea quickly gained the reputation of a delinquent for giving those who dared mess with them a good thrashing. Though people typically give Protea a wide berth, a strange group of individuals have been crowding around them as of late. Goddess of Love? Red thread of fate? When Lily and Amaryllis explained the situation to them, they didn’t believe a single word. It doesn’t help that those looneys seem to be in cahoots with Rose, the stalker using “fate” as a poor excuse for why they keep running into them. They’ve got enough on their plate as it is, but nothing they say or do seems to succeed in getting the odd trio to leave them alone. Despite their gruff exterior, Protea possesses a noble heart who unexpectedly expresses kindness in subtle ways and secretly desires to be touched by that same kindness. Protea and Orchid only ever met once. The latter had bandaged the former’s hand after being scratched by a cat they rescued from a tree, but they’ve found their eyes following the gentle and graceful angel ever since.
Character Name
Larkspur
Youthful levity and sweetness. Larkspurs are beautiful summer flowers that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, but this sweet flower also contains a bitter poison.
Played by: @nios
Seducing others with saccharine words yet remaining firmly uncommitted, it isn’t a surprise that Larkspur has as many enemies as they do friends. Like a playful cat, they’re friendly and sweet towards whomever, whenever, but they’re just as quick to move on. In the past, some nasty rumors have made their rounds here and there, but most chalk it up to mere jealousy. After all, Larkspur has never said a mean word in their life, and who can say no to that innocent face? It's not like they’re breaking hearts on purpose. Despite their commitment issues, Larkspur has maintained a close friendship with Clover and Rose for several years. As close as one can be while keeping just the right distance to prevent any unrequited feelings from breaking up their current relationship, anyway. They're very much aware of the feelings the two harbor for them but is far more content with maintaining the status quo. Lately, Larkspur has been very curious about the strangers suddenly hanging around Rose, with a particularly deep interest in Amaryllis. Unfortunately, the stoic Amaryllis couldn't seem to care less about Larkspur, but that makes the chase all the more exciting.
Character Name
Orchid
Noble elegance and refined beauty. Fickle and difficult to raise, the orchid is a rare but beautiful flower once considered a status symbol of the wealthy.
Played by:
Heads turn whenever Orchid graces people with their presence. Had their flawless appearance been all they had going for them, people would be more likely to believe that god doesn’t play favorites. However, whether it be their family’s wealth, academic intelligence, or raw talent in whatever skills they decide to pursue, Orchid seemingly has it all. If someone were to look up the word “perfect” in the dictionary, they’d find a picture of Orchid on the page. However, things aren't always as they seem. Hidden away from the public eye is a facet of Orchid that they desperately keep secret. The only person privy to Orchid’s truest self is their childhood friend Acacia, and they intend on keeping it that way. When faced by Acacia's affection for Protea, Orchid begins to feel a sense of conflict growing within them, though they aren't yet sure whether they fear losing their closest friend or if their unease is due to a budding romantic interest in Acacia. While attempting to figure out the identity of Protea's “stalker" (Rose) for Acacia's sake, Orchid instead discovers the envoys of the Goddess of Love. And to Amaryllis and Lily's surprise, Orchid readily believes them. Incidentally, Orchid is the landlord of the apartment complex everyone is currently living in.
Character Name
Acacia
A pure, concealed love. The acacia’s love is quiet and subtle, but the devotion they show to their beloved and friends alike always shines through.
Played by:
Unlike Orchid who’s seemingly unflappable and is always the picture of elegance, Acacia is a shy individual. A shrinking violet, if you will. Despite their seemingly mismatched personalities, the two are attached at the hip and have been childhood friends since preschool. They’re close to the point where though most people assume the perfect Orchid never has any troubles, Acacia is always there to pick up on the slightest cues that something is bothering them. This sensitivity to the true nature and needs of their only friend extends to strangers as well. At first, Acacia was wary but curious of Protea, their newest coworker at the café they worked part time at. They had a terrible reputation, sure, but Acacia found themselves slowly starting to think that the rumors were blown out of proportion whenever Protea helped them out in subtle ways. When Acacia was being harassed by one of the café’s patrons, Protea was the one who dragged him out of the establishment. Unfortunately, Protea was promptly fired after the incident due to their manner of getting physical and claims that they’d only done it out of irritation towards the unruly patron and all of the bystanders. In the end, Protea never returned to work even after Acacia stubbornly kept bringing up the case to management until they relented. Nonetheless, Acacia keeps the incident close to their heart. Even if their affection for Protea never amounts to anything, they hope to at least repay their kindness one day. The first order of business was to help Protea out with their stalker issue. With Orchid’s help, of course.
Vincent Cha
Clover
Hope, faith, love, and luck. Though considered a weed by some, clovers nourish soil and suppress the spread of other weeds.
Played by: Nano Nano
The God of Fate is a merciless god who plays no favorites, and his heavy-handedness doesn’t diminish even when dealing with his descendants. As a result, Clover views their inheritance of a small portion of the god’s power to be their greatest misfortune. Their ability to see the strange and the mysterious has gotten them into trouble on multiple occasions, and fate itself doesn’t take kindly to the meddling of mortals. In truth, Clover’s powers are subtle—so subtle that they themselves have difficulty in discerning its effect. An act as simple as preventing a child from running out into oncoming traffic may end up as significant as completely altering the time of death written into said child’s fate. No good deed goes unpunished, and the world’s manner of balancing the fates Clover knowingly or unknowingly alters results in a build up of misfortune within them. Aware of Clover’s ability to meddle with fate, Amaryllis approached them to request that they sever the red thread tying Rose and Protea together. Unfortunately, Clover rejects this request, as Larkspur, Rose’s intended partner, just so happens to be the person they fancy. With fate constantly making a mess of all of Clover’s poorly attempted confessions, it wouldn’t do to give their rival an advantage. Their most recent attempt is the most laughable: Larkspur happened to wander away while Clover was psyching themselves up, and they somehow ended up asking Lily out instead.
Character Name
Belladonna
Danger and betrayal. Though beauty is in its name, those seduced by the temptation of its sweet berries quickly find themselves face-to-face with the devil.
Played by:
Nothing was ever enough for their parents, and it was always Orchid’s fault. Belladonna’s parents had always spoken animatedly about the child of an important business partner of theirs and how excellent they were. When Belladonna finally met the Orchid who was held in such high regards, the young child couldn’t help but think that they were even more dazzling than their parents had told them. Secretly, they marked Orchid down as a rival in their heart, desiring to surpass the charismatic child praised by all. However, these aspirations gradually became shackles the more Belladonna’s parents scolded them for not being as obedient, smart, or as hardworking as the beloved Orchid. Still, they persevered in their pursuit of perfection. When they met again over a decade later, Belladonna found that Orchid didn’t even know who they were. Their sense of rivalry turned into resentment, then resentment into hatred. However, no matter what they did, they always fell just barely behind Orchid and into second place. Belladonna’s friends often joked about Orchid “stealing” their opportunities, and they laughed it off, but those comments only served to fuel the fire. Whether they were a crafty, oblivious, or simply lucky individual, nothing Belladonna did could bother the unflappable Orchid. Thus, they turned to the people around them. Ideally, their primary target would have been Acacia, the shy little animal that Orchid kept by their side like a precious pet. However, they’d scamper away at the sight of Belladonna no matter how kind they acted. Therefore, they settled their eyes upon the next best thing: the ever cheerful and naive Sunflower. It was a foolish and petty plan, but it seemed to work with the way Orchid’s concerned eyes would always follow after Belladonna and Sunflower whenever they were together. The fact that Sunflower’s presence seemed to work as a lucky charm only made them more determined to steal them away from Orchid’s side. However, it appears that Sunflower’s luck has run out, at least when it comes to Belladonna. Perhaps it’s just their imagination, but it feels like the number of unlucky things happening in their life has suddenly increased. They haven’t had much time to think on the matter though, what with the strange crowd of people suddenly gathering around Orchid.
Character Name
Sunflower
Unwavering loyalty and warmth. Growing tall and strong, the giant sunflower towers over its obstacles and devotes itself to following the sun.
Played by:
During the age of antiquity, a young couple came across a small magpie half buried within a mound of snow. The pair wrapped the ailing bird within a shawl and carried it home, tending to it until its broken wing had healed. When the magpie soared high and away until it was but a small dot upon the horizon, the couple believed that was the last they’d see of the bird. However, the next night, they received the visitation of a tall figure cloaked in black garb within their dream. A smile graced her features hidden behind a silk veil, and she thanked them in a soft but steady voice for taking care of her messenger. Centuries later, no one recalls this apparition of the Goddess of Fortune or the blessings she gave the couple, but the goddess continues to adore the many good-natured progeny of her favored messenger's saviors. Of these descendants, Sunflower shines the most brightly, and so does Fortune’s blessing within them. Coin flips always land in their favor, and nothing truly bad ever seems to happen to them, though their life isn’t entirely without troubles. Not with the way people have a tendency to instinctively cower or become wary when they see the intimidating giant, but those willing to look past their exterior know of the gentle and soothing persona underneath. So soothing, in fact, that even the ice cold Amaryllis and painfully shy Acacia can’t help but relax in their presence. Unfortunately, whenever their friend Acacia leaves Orchid’s side long enough to accompany Sunflower, it isn’t uncommon for people to mistakenly think Sunflower is bullying Acacia. Their troubles with their relationships don’t end there. Nasty rumors during their university days, a run-in with an unsavory crowd on the streets, problems with a superior at work, and so on. Not wishing to weigh down Orchid and Acacia with their concern, Sunflower kept all of these struggles to themselves. Besides, things weren’t so bad when they had Belladonna by their side. Despite being a complete stranger at the time, they helped to clear up the rumors against Sunflower and have continued to stay by their side as a good friend who lends their aid during their times of need. At times, Belladonna almost seems a bit too devoted to their needs and desires, to the point where Sunflower feels as if they’re taking advantage of Belladonna’s kindness. Their guilt only continues to grow as they begin to instinctively crave their unconditional understanding and attention. Little did they know that their first encounter with Belladonna was actually their life’s greatest misfortune. Orchid and Acacia have warned them on several occasions about the “bad vibes” Belladonna gives them, but all that their paranoia has resulted in is witnessing their friendship begin to fray.
Code by Nano
 
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Vincent Cha
Clover
25
Male
Wet, miserable coughs attempting to displace the chlorinated water in his lungs drowned out the concerned voice belonging to the stranger roughly tapping his back with his palm. The burning in his chest did little to alleviate the excruciating pain paralyzing his legs, clearly felt even through the numbness stemming from the shock of nearly drowning in the diving pool. When the knife-like pain and panic abated, he forced himself to swallow back the nausea of confirming his suspicions. Life-or-death situations always seemed to follow him from a distance like the world’s most persistent stalker. On a day he just so happened to invite a friend over, an electrical failure set said friend’s fortunately empty home ablaze. When he happened to pass through an obscure short cut, he found a stranger collapsed and in dire need of an ambulance. The people around him called him a lucky charm, yet as if collecting misfortune in their stead, each little change in his routine involving such incidents were followed by freak accidents without fail. Only this time, he was the target. Twice was a coincidence. Three or more was a pattern. The more he learned, the more his fears gradually disappeared. Simultaneously, his concern for others and love for that unburdened weightlessness when diving into water cooled, molding an individual who generally avoided both. Unfortunately, when it comes to how to best coast through life, you can only avoid people for so long, especially so when you’re the owner of a service-oriented business. The number of people who’ve seen through the ill-tempered cat wearing the fur of a golden retriever can be counted upon a single hand. Patrons of Catpurrccino know that when the owner of the cat café is around, he and the toothy, high-energy smile he wears like a uniform guarantee everyone will leave in the best of moods. This friendly and attentive persona of his has a tendency to attract those who desire a shoulder to lean on as they talk about their woes, and he’s all too happy to listen—or so they believe. Behind closed doors, his face instantly morphs back into the cold and expressionless individual hidden underneath the cheerful veneer. All the problems they flapped their gums about? He doesn’t care. In fact, he often wishes he could tell the people who treat him like a therapist to take care of their problems on their own. When he once again hooked his fingers into the back of a young boy’s collar before the child nearly ran out in front of a recklessly driving car, Vincent Cha tried his best not to think about how, in the end, it was much easier to tell yourself to kill your empathy than to actually do it.
Code by Nano
 
Kirsten Westergard
Protea
23 y/o
Female
Apparently, she had been dealt a bad hand. But she was the one holding the cards, the one who, instead of folding, would rather throw down the cards and punch the person across from her. What could one call Kirsten’s situation then, except a self-afflicted one? … Kirsten dislikes pity more than anything else. Pity for her living conditions, pity for her school situation. A mother who rotated between self-loathing and pointless optimism, as she wasted away between cans of beer and coffee. A father who was too ashamed of his family, of himself, to do anything more than duck his head as he headed off to work, stacked up voluntary overtime to avoid coming home, and lie through his teeth to everyone around him. There were teachers and counselors who saw Kirsten as something to fix, someone to pay extra attention to, as if they thought there was something worthwhile there. Kirsten hated it. She still had two parents, still had a home, still had at least one meal a day. There were so many people who were worse off than her. There were so many people who were actually asking for help. So why was she the one that was being pitied, coddled, watched, supervised? The first time she threw a punch was the first time she felt that she had some control over her life. The bending of cartilage beneath her knuckles, the rush of blood to her head, the nervous energy of breaking a taboo, the transformation of expressions. Looking back, Kirsten couldn’t even remember the ‘why’ anymore. Couldn’t even remember the result. Only the aftermath remained: from pitiful child to delinquent bitch. People learned to leave her well alone after that, and those who didn’t found out why others did. What was another fight after the first? She lost more than she won, but you didn’t have to win to be more trouble than you were worth. Her father’s shame turned into disgust. Her mother’s sorrow turned to alienation. By the time Kirsten was old enough to move out, her parents were no longer on speaking terms with her, and it was all for the better. She had enough on her plate as it was. God knew how other kids handled their own lives on top of micromanaging the emotions of their parents. At eighteen years old, Kirsten was free. Free in her isolation to make something of her own life, away from peering eyes and false concerns, from saccharine promises and misplaced fantasies. Rent payments didn’t care for sob stories, and managers didn’t care for excuses. The price of goods weren’t as fluid as academic and social expectations, and you didn’t get rewarded for efforts, only results. She hopped from job to low-paying job, her education and temperament never enough to push her to a comfortable life. Her life’s possessions, after five years of living alone, could still fit comfortably inside a single (though relatively large) suitcase. Perhaps others would still look at her and pity her for the wasted years, for the societal dead-end. But for Kirsten? Beneath her surly exterior, beneath her penchant for physical violence, beneath the growling of her stomach and the bruises on her knuckles, she’s as satisfied as the first time she got into a fight, the first time she threw a punch. Because this was the result of the actions she has taken. This was what she deserved.
Code by Nano
 
Penelope Holmes
Acacia
22
female
Life has always seemed like an ocean to Penelope—a vast expanse largely unexplored, holding countless mysteries and dangers hidden within its depths. Many eagerly swim into it; some resurface if they are strong enough, while others are consumed and never seen again. Life was a terrifying concept, and unfortunately for Penelope, she had never been a good swimmer. Instead of living a life of envy, she had long learned to observe and admire from afar. As the middle child in a busy household, her voice, while not silenced, had gone unheard for as long as she could remember. With her parents focused on her intelligent older sister and her athletic younger brother, they had little time to spare for their second daughter, who showed little in common with her siblings. While her sister and brother excelled academically and athletically, Penelope's grades were just above average, and her accident-prone tendencies left her unfit for most sports. She exhibited an early interest in drawing, but to those around her, it remained a hobby she rarely discussed. Not one to enjoy crowds or seek attention, she spent most of her free time with her childhood friend, Orchid. Though many questioned their friendship, Penelope and Orchid understood one another on a deeper level, a bond that had grown stronger since preschool. Penelope admired Orchid as much, if not more than her family. As a natural wallflower, Penelope was skilled at observation. Intuitive to the needs of others, she was keenly aware of shifts in tone, expression, and body language around her, which allowed her to read the room faster than most. Unconditionally empathetic and understanding, she could often push past her insecurities for the sake of others, though only for short periods. Aware of her own limits more than others were, Penelope, having recently turned 22, found herself staring at an uncertain future. Once again overshadowed by her siblings—her sister in medical school and nearing graduation, and her brother receiving scholarships from universities that sought his athletic abilities—Penelope felt terrified about what lay beyond her comfortable bubble. She grew complacent in her routine, living a life of safety, until the day of destiny arrived. Protea, who was naturally intimidating to many, demonstrated her strong sense of honor when she stepped in to defend Penelope against a disruptive patron. Witnessing Protea's decisive intervention, Penelope felt a mix of admiration and surprise; she had not expected someone like Protea to act so courageously. Although the blame for the incident was unfairly placed upon Protea, the act left a lasting impression on Penelope, highlighting Protea's integrity and strength in the face of adversity. This event ignited something deep within the usually timid girl, prompting her to become more vocal and eager to connect with someone beyond her family and small knit group of friends. Although Penelope struggled to understand the unusual feelings driving her, she began to test her limits in hopes of expressing her appreciation for Protea and possibly growing closer to her.
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Idalia 'Lia' Makris
Orchid
25
female
A puppet wrapped in silk and pearls - a life that gleamed with jewels that weighed heavy like chains. The threads of Idalia’s life were woven not with freedom, but with indulgent confinement. Born to a mother whose beauty commanded the admiration of the wealthy and a father whose fortune draped over every room, she had it all: dresses of delicate lace, trinkets that glimmered like captured stars, an education fit for aristocracy. These were the furnishings of her dollhouse - and they never revealed what lay hidden behind its painted glass windows. Each shimmering ornament, each tailored gown, each lesson and rule was nothing more than a gilded shackle. Her world was a palace, yet with every step came a reminder that freedom was not part of her inheritance. The restrictions might have been lined with velvet, but they caged her all the same. Wealth, she learned, was as suffocating as it was enticing, as quick to bind as it was to indulge - even golden bars still confined. Idalia didn’t choose her clothes, hobbies, or meals; each detail was curated by her parents or, more often, by the vigilant hand of her caretaker. Her days were dissected and parceled out with a precision that left no room for her input, each hour mapped in ink she could neither alter nor erase. Her reputation, in their eyes, was merely an extension of theirs, a reflection on the family. Any misstep on her part wasn’t simply personal - it was a blemish on the family name, a tarnish that demanded immediate correction. Should she stray even an inch from the narrow line they drew, they’d know, ready to pull the strings tighter, placing her back into line as if nothing had ever been out of order. And Idalia was more than compliant, hoping her obedience might earn a rare glance of approval from her parents. But her father was engrossed in work, his time claimed by endless meetings and boardrooms. Her mother was no closer - a ghost in designer heels, flitting from one social engagement to another. The only gaze that lingered on her was that of the caretaker, a watchful eye seldom softened by affection. Her only wish, a quiet rebellion against her life’s confines, was to attend public school once she reached elementary age. Night after night, she cast her wishes to the stars - the only companions who seemed to listen. And somehow, her wish came true; her parents, against all odds, agreed to pull her from private tuition and let her attend the public school she had only imagined. It was there that she met Acacia. For the first time, Idalia felt a warmth that wasn’t conditional - a kindness given freely, without strings or expectations. It was a simple, genuine light, and with nothing else to cling to, Idalia grew attached, counting down the minutes each day until she could see Acacia again. Their easy smile, the kind eyes that made her feel seen, brought Idalia a joy she hadn’t known. Together, they did everything together. And Idalia was more than happy to do anything for Acacia’s joy as if it were her own. So when Acacia asked for help looking into Protea’s “stalker,” she didn’t hesitate to agree. But this time, there was a strange impendment, a feeling that something was different. She’d never seen Acacia so invested in someone else, and that unease stirred a hint of possessiveness within her, something that teetered on the edge of deeper. Still, her devotion to Acacia won out. Reluctantly, Idalia joined in, her eye more on Protea than the "stalker" they sought.
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Tei Linh
Acacia
24
male
During his early childhood Tei was merely a silent wallflower, observing, silent and always watching. Following carefully behind Orchid’s every step. Tei often followed Orchid like a shadow, content to stand beside them, who only glimmered with an allure that drew everyone in. Their presence was radiant. While Orchid illuminated any room with laughter and light, Tei remained a constant humming, silently observing how the world turned around Orchid’s delicate light. It was as if everyone could see the masterpiece before them, while Tei remained almost invisible. A thorn on their side, a smudge on the painting that was their life. Why couldn’t he be seen in the same way? How could he ever shine just as brightly? Thoughts that simmered beneath the surface– wouldn’t it be fantastic to be even a fraction of what Orchid was? As he stood at their side he noticed the first shift in their demeanor, the cracks. His envy was quickly quenched by the realization of what Orchid truly meant to him. Of what he was to them, he was never meant to compete with them. He was born to compliment them. Like golden paint delicately painted between the cracks of a vase. Their connection was unique, irreplaceable, he was their vase. He didn’t need to be the object of anyone elses affection, after all he had Orchid and Orchid had him. He was simply happy to be able to bask in their light. In moments of doubt, Tei would remind himself that every masterpiece needed a frame, and he was just that. He would hear Orchid’s laughter ring like music, a flutter in a breeze, feel the warmth of Orchid’s smile like the sun on his skin in the springtime, his love for them was pure. Innocent. Tei cherished the intimate fragments that painted their lives; they were the strokes of color that filled the canvas around Orchid. They weren’t perfect, but to Tei he’d continue to paint the most beautiful masterpiece around his most cherished friend. – As Tei grew older his kindness never left him, the same observant nature he held bleed onto strangers. Though his shyness never went away. All his years of being a wallflower had only taken a toll on his confidence, confrontations were never his forte. He’d often whisper his concerns to Orchid who would speak up for him. His soft gaze darting quickly to the floor as he fumbled with the sleeves of his shirt. His lips pressed into a fine line as he tucked behind his childhood friend. When he had first learned about Protea he was cautious, perhaps curious. Rumors had spread of the delinquent-like person that was to be his newest coworker. He simply lowered his head, avoiding any direct interactions with them during his work shifts at the cafe. Though his eyes would occasionally linger in their direction only for him to quickly snap his gaze in the opposite direction. His face flushed in embarrassment of getting caught staring too long from sheer curiosity. Yet as days passed he had noticed that maybe the rumors were merely misunderstandings. Unfair judgments put onto the other, Protea would help him unprompted and effortlessly. And as he watched, he could see how genuine Protea truly was. With every small thing they did, where it was helping him during a lunch rush. Or cleaning tables he couldn’t quite get too. Even something as small as grabbing something down from a high shelf for him- He found his opinion on the other completely changed. Protea was a good person. “You’re too quiet SPEAK UP NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU!He flinched, the barking from the annoyed patron had caused Tei to fidget with his uniform. His eyes darted around as he lowered his head, apologizing profusely as the customer continued to berate him publicly. Tears welled in the corner of his eyes as he nodded, apologizing silently. His eyes widened in disbelief as he turned to the side. Like a knight in shining armor- Protea had grabbed the unruly man, forcefully dragging them out of the establishment. Protea who had no real reason to step in, Protea who only knew him as a coworker, Protea who was apparently a terrible person in the eyes of others. Had defended him. His heart raced inside his chest, when his coworker had returned, management chewed them out. He watched as the other was fired almost immediately. He had never been one to speak up but, Protea had ignited something inside him. He had begged management for weeks, month. His pleas fell on deaf ears as the days passed by, each on quicker than the last. His eyes always glued to the door waiting patiently, hopeful that maybe one day, someday. They’d return to work. Suddenly Orchid wasn’t the only piece of art in his life, Protea had opened a door, and inside laid an extraordinary gallery of priceless pieces. He wanted to grow closer to them, to show them his appreciation in the only way he ever knew. He no longer wanted to just be a frame, just a vase. He wanted to repay the other, in any way he could. He wanted to be that beautiful painting in Protea’s life..Or at least be able to thank them properly.
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Dominga "Domi" Touzani
Lily
23
female
While Lily was born pure-hearted and well-intentioned, even her mother knew it was her child's only redeeming quality. Why would someone born with all the resources at their fingertips have such a penchant for ruining everything they touched? For the sake of everyone around her and as an overprotective parent, the Goddess of Love kept Lily on a tight leash in early childhood. Maybe she overindulged her. Maybe she underdisciplined her. Whether it was nature or nurture, the Goddess of Love was devastated to observe her child was not destined for greatness. Lily could sense it growing up, her mother's wincing and pained smiles when she showed her her newest projects or boasted about some unrealistic and complicated plot to bind two people together. Her mother tried to rationalize at every screw-up and explain for Lily's shortcomings -- oh, she did not mean it. She is still a good girl. She is still learning. But excuses could only get her so far. Lily entered the world anew to her human mother from Spain and her human father from Morocco -- two countries once entrenched in a 1-year war. Was this not evidence love could bloom despite tension simmering in the blood of her parents? In the blood of her parents' parents? Mother arranged (with hesitance) a strict upbringing for Lily. She was intentional in choosing the couple who would bear her precious cargo. It taught her... a little bit. They were not abusive, but they did not coddle her. Both from poor backgrounds, they worked their up and did not want to see the girl they believed to be their child gagged by a silver spoon in her mouth. Initially, she resented them for not bending to her petulant requests like Mother did. She cried sometimes about losing her abilities, only slightly taking responsibility for her actions. Amaryllis, poor Amaryllis, probably had many soaked shirts from her "woe is me" fits. Her truest friend (she is fully convinced Amaryllis is with her at will, for the joy of her company), who she copied the homework of in school, who she cried and begged to come to her soccer games, who she would hatch up schemes of When my powers return, I'm going to--! Lily has lost nothing of her former self, including her optimism and blind courage. Sure, if something does not go the way she plans (which is often), she will have a good cry, but she will always wake up the next day with fiercer resolve. A way to remedy her mistakes. She sadly stays oblivious to Amaryllis behind the scenes patching things up. Lily acts on impulse, on pure emotion, but she is an incredibly affectionate friend to people. She will take time to understand them, think of them on days she is apart from them, and even bring them little trinkets that reminded her of them. Maybe that is why she asks questions to those she meets, to know them and love them as deeply as possible lest she bind them with someone who cannot. Love is a subject which delights and tortures her, specifically her love for Amaryllis.
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Aleksander "Sasha" Berezkina
Amaryllis
23
male
Sasha was reborn with an inglorious purpose. He emerged onto Earth only days after Lily did. Dutiful and steadfast in his mission to watch over them in all ways. Even if he thought that this job was more of a punishment for him than for Lily, he kept his mouth shut. After all, what were a few years spent on Earth until Lily learned their lesson and his coworkers heads cooled? Surely, it could not take that long. Unfortunately, this bought of optimism turned out to be unfounded. The years went on, Lily did not learn. Sasha grit his teeth and did everything he could to nudge them in the right direction. The nudging failed. Sasha lived as an ordinary human in the meantime. He knew about humans. He'd watched, interacted and made matches between them for centuries. Yet, he was still not fully prepared to live life as one. Mostly because he was not prepared for just how popular he would be among the humans. The amount of attention he received made it difficult to do his job and his second job of watching over Lily. Be a good son. Go to school. Watch over Lily. Make his matches. Avoid the torrents of people chasing after his heels as soon as he hit puberty. The work was endless. But so was Sasha’s resolve. He was a good son. His parents adored him, and for all of his confusion over familial bonds, he found that he gently adored them in return. He was a good enough student. Living for millennia would do that. Lily was alive and hadn’t ruined too many lives: which was the best he could hope for. He made matches. Good matches. Long-lasting, understandable matches that were perfect on paper. He even went on some dates himself at the insistence of those around him. Though, they were few and far between. Sasha had no idea why the humans were interested in him. After all, he wasn’t supposed to be matched up. He found that while there were some aspects of being a human he didn’t mind, the idea of loving as one just didn’t make sense. Still, when the Goddess of Love came and offered him a final mission so he could return, Sasha jumped at it. Unfortunately, Lily jumped straight into it as well. Living in the same apartment as Lily did make his life easier in some ways. Yet, it also brought a host of new problems. Primarily his shock and awe over the infinitely many ways that Lily could mess up what was a relatively easy process. He also found himself trailing after them, trying to pick up the pieces and tape them back together when they were done. Unfortunately, those broken pieces included his final mission as well. As his failures in fixing the situation grow, Sasha has come to the unfortunate conclusion that he must fix the entire mess from the ground up if he was ever going to get anywhere.
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Boaz von Bismarck
Amaryllis
27 y/o
Male
To Boaz, love has always been something orderly — a series of steps that could be observed, dissected, and controlled. He approached his new life with the same confident detachment that has earned him so much divine favor. Ready to impose his calculated view of love on the human realm, ready to be Goddess of Love's ever stellar, ever methodical, ever-reliable envoy who grows ever ruthless in his dedication. Yet there too, seems to be a growing sense that he operates not as a servant of love, but rather as an observer of it, refusing to wade too deeply into emotional waters lest he risk compromise. This detachment is perhaps his one most critical failing, as noted by his divine peers and overseers, who whisper that while Amaryllis has mastered the appearance of love’s envoy, he has yet to grasp the heart of it. That sooner or later, he will find himself caught in a web of that feckless child of love's making that he could never have anticipated...
Enter, Protea.
Meant to be his last before his celestial return, this particular case threatens to force him to confront his own limitations, daring to hint that perhaps love is more of a gamble than it ever was simple formula...
Of course, his Goddess is not a cruel one. Thankfully, to temper the complexity of the case presented to him, he was reincarnated into the kind of love perfectly suited to his disposition: the love of an older couple, who doted on him in a quieter way. Unlike his lively neighbor next door, Boaz grew up with a deep understanding of the small but significant sacrifices love demands. His parents' love was not about sweeping gestures, grand family adventures, or spontaneous outings. There were no Disneyland trips or weekend hikes with a spry father. Instead, his family life revolved around the slow, familiar rhythms of age: bingo sessions at the community hall, evenings spent reading together in companionable silence, and early bedtimes following tea on the porch. His parents' love showed itself in quiet acts — his mother reminding his father to take his medications, his father warming her coat on cold mornings — and in their worn, knowing glances, this form of love, steadfast and dependable, took on a sort of mathematical quality to Boaz: predictable, reliable, devoid of drama, and therefore devoid of mystery. It was a love that filled space without demanding notice, and for him, it became the template he would like all forms of love to follow. Under their care, it was clear beauty is nothing but a fleeting arrangement of atoms, a charming trick of the nervous system — a philosophy he clings to, believing that remembering the transience of everything keeps him stable, if not blissfully uninvolved. Love, in his eyes, seems almost silly — a short-lived chemical reaction rather than an exalted force worth risking one’s heart for.
Still it seems his charge, Lily, with all the unbridled energy of a comet, holds no qualms about dragging him into a realm of love even he struggles to define; a world so far removed from his carefully constructed ideals of love that it might as well be another galaxy. Her boundless affection, her starry-eyed notions of what love "should" be, clash so violently with his steady, formulaic understanding of it that he wonders if this truly is all just a joke for the Goddess. And yet he is ever there: her sarcastic, sour-faced, sour puss of a shadow, always armed with a tissue for her inevitable tears and a curt dismissal of her latest harebrained schemes. There to straighten the emotional mess she always leaves behind: smoothing over offended hearts, untangling social disasters, carefully steering her away from the worst of her impulses...
But even he struggles to deny the slow change within himself. Every heartfelt plea, every time she thrusts a small gift into his hands, her eyes bright and full of sincerity, he feels the first tremors of uncertainty. He dismisses these feelings, chalking them up to the human limitations he’s meant to overcome. At the end of the day, he isn’t here for love as much as he is here to endure its mystery, navigating the red threads and tangled emotions of humanity with a dry degree of reluctant reverence. And though he outwardly scoffs at her every romantic ideal, some quiet, reluctant part of him wonders if perhaps her chaos holds an answer his carefully curated logic never could. That perhaps... perhaps love is a creature whose truth was always meant to slip through the grasp of reason, demanding not to be understood but simply felt.
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Linally "Lolly" Bautista Malang
Larkspur
25
female
Okay, kids, smile for the camera— Jun-Jun, stop pulling your sister's hair! Lolly, fix that—good, good, just like that. Good girl. Buboy, sit still for just a minute, baby, okay? Okay. Three, two, one—say cheese, everyone— Even after the shutter clicked, though, Lolly never stopped posing for the camera. As the eldest child of three, Lolly had to learn to gracefully shoulder the weight of familial responsibility. As the only girl, she had to learn that a son's existence justified itself, while a daughter had to work to repay her own birth. And work she did, tirelessly molding herself into the image of the perfect little cherub that would make her family proud. Painstakingly, she lived her life as if she were always in the eye of someone's camera, prowling and waiting to capture evidence of her being anything less than the shiny little accessory her parents wanted to display in scrapbooks and on holiday cards. Be smart, she told herself, but not smart enough to outshine her brothers. Work hard, but don't show it, because effort wasn't cute, and above all, she must always, always be cute—cute but sweet, inoffensive, benign, because otherwise people would hate her. Nobody likes a girl who's too good at what she does, after all. Too bad for her they hated her anyway. Everywhere she went, there were whispers on her heels calling her fake. The worst part? They weren't wrong. Somewhere along the way, Lolly forgot how to be real. She felt no pain, no fatigue, no weakness. If she were to be as perfect as a doll, she would need to be as unfeeling as one, too. Her smile became a mask without which she couldn't bear to face anyone, most of all herself. Even when an unspeakable tragedy befell her family—a freak accident that stole her baby brother's life—she couldn't shed her plastic shell long enough to grieve, and likewise, she couldn't shed any tears. Indeed, Lolly didn't cry at his funeral, though she made sure to smile and thank their guests for coming. While her other brother spiraled into depression and drugs, her father turned to extramarital affairs, and her mother coped by emotionally abusing her still-living children, only Lolly continued to play pretend in an idyllic game of house. By God, someone had to keep the facade going. In reality, beneath that sugary-sweet facade, Lolly holds most people in high disdain. It leaves a sour taste in her mouth, the way those sycophants gush and fawn like paper cutouts of friends, only to talk shit behind her back. They're all fake, and she's the fakest of them all. The two exceptions to her disdain are Rose and Clover, though she can't fathom why they've stood by her side for so long. She loves to tease sweet little Rose, to see her round cheeks blossom pink. In reality, Rose is everything she wishes she could be—her kindness is genuine, her heart pure and light where Lolly's is a heavy plastic thing weighing down her chest. She envies Rose for that, and sometimes, in her ugliest moments, she thinks she might hate her a little bit for it, too, how easily love and sweetness seem to come to her. But God, Rose doesn't deserve that. If anyone deserves to be loved fully, from the depths of one's heart, it would be Rose, because Lolly has never seen a heart love with as unburdened an honesty as Rose's. As for Clover—God, that poor thing. She loves to watch him squirm, loves that sense of loyalty and doggedness, how he continues to pursue her despite her playful deflections. She loves how he pretends to be cynical when she knows his kindness is like a wildfire burning him from the inside out. Above all, she loves to selfishly pull at his strings, answering his attempts at wooing her by dancing coyly around them. She's really doing him a favor by rejecting him, isn't she? At best, he would be disappointed by the reality of a relationship with her; at worst, he would realize how artificial she was and come to hate her. A talking doll might say 'I love you' when its string is pulled, but it can never really mean it. Recently, though, there's been a new presence in her life, one that stunned her with a reaction she's never inspired before: apathy. No obsequious admiration, no jealous venom. Plain and simple, Amaryllis couldn't care less about her, and it thrills her. Thrills her enough that, for once, she finds herself doing the chasing, and it's all just so ugly. Cuteness is a passive trait, after all. There's nothing cute about pursuing, desiring, the active voice, and it certainly isn't going to be cute when he rejects her. Because he is going to reject her, isn't he? In a sort of twisted way, she finds that the prospect of his refusal is somehow more tantalizing than the possibility of winning him over. She's been fantasizing about it, even, imagining all the ways he could let her down, each harsher than the last. God, she's so sick of feeling nothing. She hopes this hurts.
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Soren Bärwald
Sunflower
24
Male
──────── ☼ ────────​
When Soren was born, it was as if the sun had gifted one of its sunrays to his heart. He was an unusually cheerful baby who rarely cried or fused, his face always light by an infectious smile—a mother’s dream. As Soren grew, that joy deepened, and he became a boy whose kindness was so genuine and bright that he seemed to light up a room. His gentle nature shone through his love for animals and patient heart. His many childish drawings from his youth reveal his childhood dream of becoming a vet. But all good things must come to an end. There wasn’t always a divide between how Soren saw himself and how the world perceived him. Though he can’t pinpoint the moment in which the tide had turned. Maybe it had been during puberty, which had hit him far too quickly—his body growing gangly and awkward seemingly overnight—leaving him to tower over his peers who had eased into puberty with more grace than him, an easy target for those with nothing better to do. Words whispered behind his back, purposely loud enough for him to hear, accusations and stories created on baseless claims, holding more in common with fiction than reality. The truth hardly mattered. Tales still spread like fire, creeping into every crevice, snaring those who listened like a vice, twisting and mangling the image of Soren until he could no longer recognize himself. The visage of the boy his mother once called the kindest, lost, and unrecoverable. In adulthood, the familiar shadows of other’s words clung to Soren like a veil, obscuring his true self from others. His imposing presence only fueled the whispers, casting an air of mystery he never sought. In time, Soren fell in with the wrong crowd, people who seemed to accept him when others wouldn’t even try. It was nice at first to have friends for the first time in a long time, but these friends were not the type you wanted to keep. He had all but abandoned the hope of deep, lasting friendship with genuine and kind people—until he met Acacia and Amaryllis. With them, he rediscovered the confident, carefree spirit he had once had in his childhood before the world pushed him into a role he never wanted. He found the confidence to separate from the less savory people in his life, only keeping minimal communication with the few he felt were genuine. For a while, things were better. Yet, like the ever-moving ocean, the tides turned quickly, and the rumor mill began to churn again. Soren’s past entanglements proved harder to shake than he had thought. The few friends who remained from that time of his life had asked for his help, and Soren would never refuse a friend in need. Soren was never good at smelling trouble, especially with friends. So easy, he fell into trouble once more, only this time, he was the odd man out. Bad people, ones he once considered friends, happily pinned the blame on the man they felt abandoned by them. Not wanting to weigh down his friendship with the negativity of his past, Soren resolved to figure it out on his own, putting on a brave face, hoping to be a source of positivity in his friends’ lives rather than a troublesome burden. Soren had tried to resolve the issue on his own, trying to convince the few ties he had left with the group to come clean, but it was all for naught, and Soren felt his world beginning to crumble. Then came Belladonna—a stranger with no reason to help him, yet who did more than any of his past scummy friends ever had. People he had once trusted had chosen silence and deceit over the truth, but Belladonna, without history or expectation, offered him an understanding few had. Perhaps that is why he found it so easy to open up to her, to spill the secrets and worries that sat deep within his heart, fears that he never voiced to Acacia and Amaryllis. With Belladonna, there was no fear of losing a friend, because she had seen the worst of him from the beginning.
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Ruanne Amathea
ROSE
24
Female
Chapter 1 of Ruanne's Adventure of Love STARTS! Ruanne had always known life on the easy side. Not just a silver spoon, mind you, but a whole set of silver, gold, and diamond-plated cutlery came with her name on it. And with her striking charm, her path was littered with admirers eager to hand her anything she wanted. A shower of bubbly confetti that sparkled wherever she went, drawing people to her like bees to a blooming field. It was as if the universe had been hand-delivered to her on a gleaming platter. But behind all the glitter, Ruanne felt an ache… a small but nagging emptiness. It wasn’t that her parents didn’t adore her. She had friends aplenty, hobbies to spare, and luxuries galore. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but it felt like a puzzle with one crucial piece missing. After all, what’s the point of a thousand-piece puzzle if the last piece has never been found? 6 days, 11 hours, 48 minutes, and 22 seconds That’s exactly how long it took for her to reach her decision. She would embark on an adventure! And not just any adventure… the adventure of LOVE! Why love? Because, as she read in one too many romance novels, “Love was the answer to all of life’s questions!” (˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧ Armed with knowledge gleaned from stacks of romantic novels and a jingling purse of gold slung over her shoulder, Ruanne took a bold step outside her opulent mansion to start life on her own. "Goodbye, Papa… Mama…" she trembled in emotion, "Thank you for raising me. I’ll return with a husband holding one hand and maybe… a child cradled in the other." “Who said anything about you getting married so soon?!” Tearful goodbyes and fond farewells behind her, Ruanne set out with a determined spark in her eye, a little foolish, perhaps, but ablaze with excitement. The days ahead filled with brilliant colors and moments she could have never anticipated. Strangers she’d soon call friends, new emotions brewing like storm clouds, misunderstandings that would twist her heart into knots, and even a magical encounter with the mysterious envoys of the Goddess of Love themselves! Stay tuned for more rollercoaster events under the starlight (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و
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Arashi Oshiro
Protea
22
Male
Protea is a tricky flower with a thorny heart; petals veiling a core only few could touch. Planted in spring, uprooted by summer, that was how Arashi viewed life - it was a fragile and fleeting mess with half-buried roots that waited for the pull that would sever them. Promises were duplicitous things--honored only at one's convenience and he was never convenient enough. Each vow, each sweet assurance, slipped through his fingers like sand, weightless and insubstantial, leaving nothing but the ache of empty hands. In turn, he doesn’t make promises - feeble things that wither too quickly. Arashi stands rooted in the present. He doesn’t pretend his loyalty is an unyielding thing. It is as temperamental as a season's shift, blooming only when it suits him and wilting when it doesn't. A life unbound and impenetrable, he is both captivating and impossible to hold close. He walks alone with his back hunched and his fists in his pocket. Though he never picks fights, his body stays tense as if waiting for one to find him. It isn’t by birthright or some grand decision, but simply because action is the only language that never fails him. He despises empty words and his stutter even more, masking his frustrations as cold indifference. Every rumor, every whispered slight, he swallows whole, until his stomach is a festering pin cushion. When the weight becomes unbearable, his retaliation erupts with brutal precision: swift kicks, calculated punches, and barbed insults. Most know better than to tread too close, sensing the edge he carries without him saying a word. Arashi’s reputation precedes him - carved out by the quick strikes and curt words that have left their mark. He doesn’t have to warn anyone; the cold detachment in his gaze does it for him.He is a burden, a punk, a boy that neither answers or asks questions; he allows people to fill in the gaps between his words and his actions while keeping his thoughts to himself. People assume his silence is contentment, a declaration of satisfaction with his prickly carapace, but that’s only half the story. He doesn't wish to be left alone; he wants to want to be left alone. Arashi’s connections are malnourished vines, craving sunlight despite knowing they will wither under its heat. His relationships feel necessary yet doomed. The gnarled roots of his past coil around his heart, seeding the belief that every bond he touches is destined to rot. Because of this, Arashi pretends there is nothing deeper to his gestures of kindness; they only occur due to convenient circumstances. “What’s there to thank?” he’ll ask, scoffing at the idea of anyone mistaking his actions for something noble. The garden that’s sprung up around him bewilders him, its tangled vines and unexpected blooms a constant reminder of the connections he never meant to cultivate. He longs to clear them all away, to prune every tendril from his space - yet each time he hesitates, finding himself unable to sever the people that have taken root in his life. However, he's a resilient soul, stubbornly rooted; his heart still reaches, despite itself, toward the warmth of the sun. --- Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.) I concentrate toward them that are nigh, I wait on the door-slab. Who has done his day’s work? who will soonest be through with his supper? Who wishes to walk with me? Will you speak before I am gone? will you prove already too late?
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Theodore Yoon
sunflower
27
male
There was once an earnest and naive little boy who saw the woes that his older sister faced due to her lack of height. The biggest tragedy in the little boy’s eyes was his sister’s inability to reach the heavy adult books with the large pictures of the starry night sky. The ones that were always tantalizingly placed on the top shelves. So of course, the next time the little boy saw a shooting star, he made sure to wish extremely hard to be so tall no bookshelf could stop him. Fortunately or unfortunately, some deity must have heard the boy’s wish. Because with puberty came all the extra height that the gods must have forgotten to reserve for his sister.
—-—--​
Though Theo’s appearance has changed significantly from childhood to the present, from a small figure and puppy-soft face to a looming figure with an intimidatingly severe face. He still remained gentle and earnest at heart, though maybe a bit naive at times. Unfortunately, while first impressions aren’t everything, you can’t make a better second impression if many will take one look at your (tired or thoughtful) frowning face or “schemer’s” smile and run for their (not endangered) lives. Over the years, he learned not to take the negative opinions on his appearance personally. Like the giant sunflower that grew over the shade to reach the sun, Theo learned to persevere and patiently wait for some to take his helping hand. Thankfully for Theo, some did take their chances with him and learned that the looming giant was actually a gentle giant with a warm personality (and a dash of anxiety always rambling in the back of his mind). Somedays, Theo watches the friends he managed to gather with satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. It was almost like holding the trust of the wild birds that visited his birdfeeder. One day before he realized it, they jumped into his hands with purpose and didn’t scatter when he looked at them with a little too much intensity. But lately, he wondered whether or not he had been keeping them too close and tightly. It started with one or two well-meaning “interventions”. Which turned into innocent rumors. Which then started to clearly cause inconveniences or discomfort to his friends. Whether it was the shrinking of Acacia’s shoulders when confronted by well-meaning strangers. Or the tired sigh of Orchid when certain tenants get more defensive when they see Theo looming over her shoulder. Somehow, these incidents hurt him more than what others have said about him in the past. While Amaryllis hadn’t received the brunt of the worsening rumors and misunderstandings, it was only a matter of time before he became a bother for her too. As the days go by, the small voice in the back of his mind that makes him think he’s just causing trouble for them gets louder and louder. Louder than the worried looks that his friends have been giving him lately. But seeing those looks hurt too. Because the worried looks only grew more pronounced when Theo had Belladonna by his side. Though he tried to explain to Orchid and Acacia that Belladonna was a kind individual who had helped him out of a difficult situation, the two brushed him off and insisted that they had a “bad feeling” about Belladonna. Out of guilt or empathy for Belladonna's “plight”, Orchid and Acacia’s warnings only made the rift between him and his oldest friends grow larger. For if looking past Belladonna's “bad vibes” was not worth their time, what made Theo’s? Was he not just causing trouble for everyone?
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Lucia Mondadori
belladonna
24
female
Lucia used to think she was made for big things; someone special, someone different from the rest. Her mother pushed her because she knew she could do more, and she knew her daughter's destiny lay in lofty ambitions like ruling the universe or, at least, conquering the world. Lucia got it, and embraced it, flitting through the first eight years of her life with such silly goals in mind; shoulders already bearing weighty expectations and fuelled by love she did not know yet was conditional. The first time she met Orchid, that dream changed a little bit. Her life had already begun to tear a little at the seams by then, when her potential started to wane and she was no longer the only option to invest in. In dazzling, beautiful Orchid, Lucia saw so much of herself. Their smiles were equally prim and perfect, their burdens all-too-similar—they must've been cut from the same cloth. The few words they exchanged that night made Lucia certain they would be friends. If anyone would understand her, it would be them. Lucia would compromise, this time around—for someone like Orchid: they could rule the world together! Her childish little dream did not survive the space between their first and second meeting. Still, she held onto it stubbornly, clinging onto its scraps in desperate hope that she could piece it back together, to offer Orchid something beautiful to look at. Something worthy of them. When Lucia looks back on that time, she thinks Orchid must have been akin to a god—something she revered, aspired towards, and could not imagine a world without. The second time she meets Orchid, Lucia learns that a god is also someone who wouldn't bat an eye if she went and died in front of them. And here's the kicker: Orchid was somehow more dazzling and beautiful than before, in that loathsomely effortless way. Perhaps they were not cut from the same cloth, after all. Perhaps she'd been a fool for thinking their smiles comparable, because Orchid's could outshine the sun while Lucia's, painstakingly trained in the mirror, was still duller than a new moon. A cruel twist of fate, or maybe pitiful was the better word, for someone like her. The resentment for Orchid that festered was the only defence she could manage at the time. So fucked up. She knows that's pathetic, and she knows her grudge is misplaced, somewhat. The last shred of her naivety that resides in the deep recesses of her conscience sometimes reminds her, in a quiet, trembling voice, that it is not Orchid's fault that they're better at her at everything she's ever tried, nor that her family think she's a failure—actually, that one was slightly their fault—and while it would have been nice, they certainly didn't have a duty to remember every person they met— No, no, Lucia still hates them for that. That one's much too firm to argue with. Either way, she needs someone to blame, and it's easier to blame an outsider than the parents she spent two-thirds of her life trying to please, and it's easier to indulge in fantasies of wishing them out of existence than wondering if it was a matter of deservedness. Maybe Lucia didn't deserve even half of their success, maybe Lucia did not deserve to be loved like they were. It's so unfair. Like, seriously. Whatever higher power there is, both Acacia and Sunflower was fucking pushing it. So, fate is petty, karma is fickle. Lucia promises she will be a hundred times worse. She's nothing if not tenacious, after all.
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Juniper Welbourn
Rose
24
Female (She/Her)
Blue eyes stared up at the swaying branches of the rather extravagant willow tree, silently pleading with it to give her the courage to go for what--or who-- she wants for once. Maybe the longer she stared, the more likely the winds breezing between the leaves would whisper their magical secrets to romantic success. Juniper closed her eyes, taking a deep breath of the warm spring air, letting in the good fortune and divine energy the Wishing Tree can offer her. And, in a small whisper, she spoke out, "Please, please, please, guide me to my true love.. And let us be happy together. I swear, I'll make them so amazingly happy. I'll take them out on dates, and we can make paper stars together, and--" "Lady, are you talking to yourself?" The loud, curious sound of a young child interrupted her pleas to the divine, making her eyes fly open in embarrassment. Clearing her throat, she laughed nervously, "It sounds like it, but no! I am making a wish to the Wishing Tree. They say that if you make a wish to it, it'll help you find your true love." The small child, dressed in simple overalls and littered with bandages along their elbows and knees, made a face of disgust. This time, a genuine laugh slipped through Juniper's lips, "Yeah, I know, how desperate of me, huh?" The kid nodded in judgement, before running off to find their parent. Juniper was once again left alone with the swaying tree. She couldn't help but feel good about this. The sun was shining, wind caressing her face, almost as if it were reassuring her that things would work out. They had to, right?
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Jace Sterling
Amaryllis
25
Male
He knew where he stood in life. To call him the right hand of the God of Fate, like most of his fellow weavers would, was simply preposterous. To be a hand meant to be relied on. It invoked a sense of familiarity, a closeness between him and the God that was non-existent. He is but one of Fate's tools to keep order, a tool freely given to the Goddess of Love as a way to counteract the chaos her child has brought upon the world. From one divine to another, his place was in between their hands, molded by their will. Love, while it wasn’t on his list of expertise, was something he understood. The first time he stepped foot on earth as a cupid, he came back to the heavens just as quickly as he left with success trailing his footsteps. Much to the surprise of the Goddess of Love and the ire of the other cupids, he quickly rose through the ranks with his stellar track record. It was only natural—almost destined even, given his previous experience working under the God of Fate. Love, similar to him, was simply a means to an end. In the Goddess’ court he was called Amaryllis, named after one of the plentiful flowers in her garden. ‘Steadfast and enduring’ she said, and he remembered the mirth in the Goddess’ voice the first time she called him by his name. Once she saw his look of confusion, the laugh that followed soon after made his face flush, the same shade of red as the flower in between the Goddess’ fingers. There was a sense of appreciation, similar to the God of Fate. But with the Goddess, it wasn't just admiration from a distance. Its trust that ran deeper than duty; and devotion that was born not from obligation, but from something rooted in the quiet space in the garden they were only privy to. Was it love? Amaryllis knew he’d willingly serve the God of Fate until the universe drew its last breath and the last thread was cut. But as he watched the Goddess caress each petal with tenderness; how she took the time to praise each flowering bud with fondness in her eyes; and the way she looked at him just the same. The moment she called his name, he knew he’d stay by her side as the flower behind her ear for as long as love existed. Amaryllis, determined, enduring love. Since the incident, Amaryllis could be seen in the gardens, taking care of the plants when the Goddess couldn't. In the days when the two of them were present, he would be by her side, regaled by her stories of mortal affairs and her child, Lily. Lily, in Amaryllis’ opinion, took after their mother in beauty, and that’s where their similarities ended. They were a constant noise in the background. A dripping faucet in an empty room—persistent, impossible to ignore, and just when Amaryllis thinks they've stopped, another drop would fall, gnawing at his nerves. Maybe the Goddess of love tempted fate beforehand, and Lily was the result. He has seen both mortals and divine haggle with the God of Fate, and the aftermath that followed soon after paled in comparison to Lily’s constant pestering and penchant for chaos. They were the reason he was stuck on earth, after all. Despite how successful he may be, Lily would always find a way to tip the scale against their favor. The threads of fate, interwoven carefully with that of love into a silken tapestry telling the story of everything. Lily, the stain on its otherwise pristine design; and clover the fire that threatened to burn it all. At the very end of the line was Amaryllis, the one to cut, clean, and stitch up any imperfections as it should have been from the beginning. Despite it all, however, he couldn’t say that he hated the flower. Maybe it was simply because they were the child of the Goddess, or maybe it was because they’d laugh a melody similar to their mother’s songs and look at the world in such awe that made him pause, curious to learn what he was missing. Innocence bordering naivety, but still innocence, nonetheless. If the Goddess of love was the sun, and he the flower; Lily was the ray of light that made him squint away. Intense, but warm on his cheeks.
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Maeve Beauvais
lily
25
female
Cherub cheeks rounded by devotion. Feather-light pecks would often bless her ivory flesh. Affection itself is, in its own right, a powerful weapon to wield when moulding a child’s future. The cascading effect of a single act of love could even topple the most cruel suffering the world has to offer. A candour Lily greatly advocates for and deeply appreciates as she basks in her mother’s unconditional love. However, expectations built upon familial legacy are no easy thing to bear. The moment her first heartstring began to fabricate into existence, it became the shackles that fettered her into a mixed life of lively ardour and shaky missteps. The weight of inadequacy has always found itself perching proudly on top of her shoulders. Each flimsy error she makes fabricates a tear deep within her heart’s pith, for they are as fragile as her pride. That is, until she managed to squander the seat beside her seraphic mother, only to fall into the inescapable hands of mortality. That was her punishment for the sin of harbouring calamity at every print her fingers lay upon; her existence was a flaw. It became clear to her that it wasn’t her mother's overflowing love that was the issue; it was her. Despite it all, compassion still holds a place in her heart. While melancholy remains, jests and whimsy take their place. In a way, it automatically became her coping mechanism. Probity, optimism, and devotion. These are the fundamentals she gathered for herself from her mother's gospel—the credence that carried her every action, speech, and thought when she entered the home of the Beauvais. Under the care of her two mothers, she became well-affiliated with their type of love. Witnessing their story and their fondness for each other microscopically close brought her the sort of viewpoint that would be valuable for blooming cupids. But Lily is a ‘live in the moment’ kind of gal, so for her to consider the merit of the healthy hearth before her viridescent eyes went straight over her head. Simmering above her exterior is an open individual who freely expresses her emotions to the fullest. From the most joyous celebrations, where laughter and smiles are warmly received, to the most moving piece of film (HTTYD Trilogy,) where fat pearls of tears are inevitable, Lily will express all those emotions brazenly. Puppy dog eyes exude pure innocence with a glimmer of feline mischief. A glimmer Amaryllis has grown too familiar with—her dearest, Amaryllis, is the constant subject of her playful torture. It typically ranges from habitual imitation, the sincerest form of flattery (or vexation,) to a straight-up yap session 24/7.
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