Binna Park

[little-vlogger-binna]

BINNA PARK, "BINNA THERE, DONE THAT!"

Name: Park Bit-na, spelled "Binna" for English speakers, pronounced BEAN-nah Nicknames: Bin, Beanie Magic status: Gifted (Animal-talent; closeted)  Nationality: American Ethnicity: Korean Accent: New Yorker babyyyy Height: 5′7 Build: Tall, long legs, athletic from playing soccer, hiking Complexion: Tanned Eye colour: Dark brown Hair colour/length/style: Naturally, dark dark brown, nearly black. She traditionally wears it long with a middle part. Tattoos/piercings/daily jewelry: Her ears are pierced. Her belly button is also pierced, which she got in trouble with her parents for.

What would you find if you Googled them? Binna runs a moderately successful (about 30k subscribers) YouTube channel following her daily life and quest to explore new places and try new things. There is no information on this account that she is a magick.

What natives would know about them: Binna arrived in town around August 2024 to begin WWOOFING (basically, volunteering for room/board) at the Dalmatian Plantation! She is constantly seen around walking a Dalmatian...or five...or twelve. They're also aware of her moderately popular YouTube channel and that she is working on a longer-form documentary about Swynlake!

No one knows she's a magick...yet.

Other - Binna's Animal Connections Sparky - a retired Dalmatian actor from the popular kids show "The Thunderbolt Adventure Hour." Although Sparky was not the star of the show, he was a fan-favorite and he and Binna already have a close bond a few months in. Sparky has gone blind, but that doesn't stop him from sniffing out all sorts of adventure!

Mittens - a stray cat who was kicked out of Enchantra's very own cat kingdom. She gives Binna all sorts of 411.

Rami - short for "Pastrami," this street-smart rat has all the best food recommendations!

...plus 100 other Dalmatians! Insta: @binnahere Twitter/Bluesky: @binnahere Youtube: @binnahere TikTok: @binnahere Lives: The Dalmatian Plantation!

[little-vlogger-binna]

Sidewalk Interview || OPEN

[little-vlogger-binna]

Binna kept nodding along. That echoed what she learned from her interview with Aquata (not that she knew Q was the friend Herc was talking about - if she did, she'd think, dang, small town!)

"Yeah, for sure. I wonder though, like, if there are ways to make the job easier," said Binna. "Not... obviously, parts will always be hard, but I wonder if some of the bureaucratic stuff could be improved so the Board could get more stuff done or get further along in problem-solving, without having to worry about filing reports or getting ten levels of approval, y'know?"

@kouros-herc

[kouros-herc]

"I don't know," Hercules hummed, one hand coming up so that he could scratch at his jaw. On the one hand that sounded great! But then.. "I guess it would be great to make things happen quicker at Town Hall, like having more people to do that stuff but... I think ... couldn't somebody push through really bad stuff if we didn't have levels of approval? Like, when that lady from Parliament came down and just got to over-rule everyone that we had elected to actually be in charge?"

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

Ah, Binna had heard about that. She hadn't been around, obviously, but it sounded like a total horror show. The kind of stuff that Americans railed against, and made people distrust government as a whole.

Binna was technically a Democrat, so she didn't feel that way. She thought the government could be used mostly for good. Or that it should be.

"Well, maybe, but I'm not saying there needs to be no guardrails. Just-- less. Or maybe just revised guardrails to help things be more efficient," clarified Binna. But then she laughed and shrugged. "I dunno! I'm just a vlogger. I just think people go to extremes these days, you know. I feel like we've lost sight of the middle ground."

@kouros-herc

[little-vlogger-binna]

Sidewalk Interview || OPEN

[little-vlogger-binna]

Binna nodded vigorously. She'd noticed the things Hercules talked about -- the good and the bad. It wasn't exactly oppression Olympics out here but... sometimes she'd seen discourse veer in that direction. But she knew it came from this place of craving community and wanting to do right by each other.

"Yeah! Yeah, I think that it's almost a good problem in a way, like people forgetting what life is like outside of Swynlake. I guess it's better to always be pushing for change and improvement, though," she mentioned. "What do you think about how the Board is doing? Do you mind talking about that?"

@kouros-herc

[kouros-herc]

"Oh, uh, I mean-" Herc swallowed slightly as he was asked about the Board and how they were doing. "Well, I think they're doing their best, for sure," he said, first of all.

"I mean, one of my best friends used to be on the Board and I think ... I think it made me realise how hard it is for any of them to get things done," he mused, thinking out loud as his brain worked slowly. "It's really easy to make promises when you're trying to get elected, and to say you'll definitely get something done, and get angry at the Board for not doing more, but then you're on the Board and you have to try and think of everyone. And all kinds of rules and laws and funding and stuff like that. I think... I guess it's just a lot of people doing their best."

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

Binna kept nodding along. That echoed what she learned from her interview with Aquata (not that she knew Q was the friend Herc was talking about - if she did, she'd think, dang, small town!)

"Yeah, for sure. I wonder though, like, if there are ways to make the job easier," said Binna. "Not... obviously, parts will always be hard, but I wonder if some of the bureaucratic stuff could be improved so the Board could get more stuff done or get further along in problem-solving, without having to worry about filing reports or getting ten levels of approval, y'know?"

@kouros-herc

[waitingona-mirabel]

This Is Me Swallowing My Pride | Binnabel

[waitingona-mirabel]

That was it, wasn't it? Mirabel missed Avalor and she missed Casita, but home was never just about the ground you stood on. It was about the people who surrounded you. And right now, sitting on this bench with Binna, hand in hand, close enough to lean in and kiss her just like old times, Mirabel felt like she was home too.

Because being with Binna was just so easy, like walking into your home and kicking off your shoes and flopping down on the couch after a long day. Mirabel could be herself, say how she really felt, and she wasn't afraid it would be too much for Binna. It just brought them closer together.

"Me too," Mirabel said softly, putting her tea down next to her to free her other hand. She brushed a strand of hair away from Binna's face and leaned in to kiss her. Her nerves, her anxiety, it all melted away. Because this was Binna. And maybe it could be that simple.

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

When Mirabel leaned in, Binna smiled so wide that Mirabel kissed her teeth.

With anyone else, Binna would feel embarrassed. But with Mirabel, she just giggled, put her own tea down, and then took Mirabel's heart-shaped face between her hands so she could kiss her properly.

And it was like no time had passed at all. They could have been back on the Dalmatian Plantation, with Lucky at the end of the bed, the two of them making out on the other side. Or stealing kisses at the beginning and end of DnD. Or kissing under the lights of Pixie's.

She couldn't believe they'd ever let a stupid fight come between them for months. When they could have just talked and been honest. And then they could do this.

Binna giggled again after a few minutes and leaned away. "So... this means we're girlfriends again, right?"

@waitingona-mirabel

[little-vlogger-binna]

Sidewalk Interview || OPEN

[kouros-herc]

"I guess... maybe it's just like... so many people knows what it feels like to not fit in, and they just don't want to limit welcoming to just people like themselves." It made it easy, even if they didn't talk about things. He could accept Mer as a werewolf not just because he knew them and loved them, but because he knew what it was to have people look at you in fear for no real reason.

"It does make it special," he shrugged simply. "I know it's not perfect here, and it can feel like a competition to try and make sure everyone gets heard but I think sometimes we forget how much better Swynlake is for acceptance than other people."

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

Binna nodded vigorously. She'd noticed the things Hercules talked about -- the good and the bad. It wasn't exactly oppression Olympics out here but... sometimes she'd seen discourse veer in that direction. But she knew it came from this place of craving community and wanting to do right by each other.

"Yeah! Yeah, I think that it's almost a good problem in a way, like people forgetting what life is like outside of Swynlake. I guess it's better to always be pushing for change and improvement, though," she mentioned. "What do you think about how the Board is doing? Do you mind talking about that?"

@kouros-herc

[aquata-the-champ]

Vlog With A Dog | Quinna

[aquata-the-champ]

"I've just been going to the monthly meetings, mostly listening. I'm keeping an eye out for petitions, too, since that's a big way people can get involved when they're not on Board," Aquata explained. The dogs had settled now, and she idly continued to pet them. "Something I hope the new Board does... I guess I hope they just continue to respond to the times, listen to the people. I know that's vague. But I did everything on Board I set out to do, so now it's up to them."

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

It was a bit vague - and kinda obvious. Most people probably hoped their politicians stayed timely and listened to others. But maybe that's just what politics boiled down to. Maybe people made politics more complicated than it needed to be. Maybe if people focused on the roots of good politics, there wouldn't be as many problems.

"Yeah, I think when you put it like that, it makes politics feel more approachable," said Binna. She smiled, liking this optimistic take. "Well, I think that's all my questions! Unless you have any messages you want to give to everyone watching!"

@aquata-the-champ

[waitingona-mirabel]

This Is Me Swallowing My Pride | Binnabel

[waitingona-mirabel]

Mirabel didn't realize it was weird until Binna apologized. In the moment, it felt kind of natural— Binna and Mirabel doing what they always did, baring their hearts to each other, their feelings deepening in the process because they couldn't seem to learn enough about each other. They used to talk like this for hours, Mirabel thought, and she had missed it so much.

Was there a chance they could find their way back to that? It just felt so simple right now...

"You don't have to apologize," Mirabel said, looking down at her own hand. "Binna, I- I understand if you're upset with me still, I'm, like, pretty upset with myself. But I've missed you a lot. All this time. And... if you wanted to try again..."

More slowly this time, Mirabel reached for Binna's hand. And then she looked up at her again.

"I just think I still really love you. Too much not to ask, at least."

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

Mirabel's hand landed softly on hers like a butterfly. It felt just as precious and rare, Mirabel trusting her despite the cruel things Binna said, the distance between them, and all the time they lost.

But with just a touch, Binna believed they could turn back time. The distance closed, Binna's heart fluttering excitedly like a whizzing hummingbird. She blushed and met Mirabel's familiar brown eyes.

She'd missed her. She still felt safe with her. She loved her too..

Swallowing, Binna smiled shyly, squeezed Mirabel's hand back and then scooched closer on the bench.

"I love you too," she said. "And I'd love to be your girlfriend again. You're one of the reasons Swynlake feels like home."

@waitingona-mirabel

[little-vlogger-binna]

Sidewalk Interview || OPEN

[little-vlogger-binna]

"What was the compromise? You just want me to leave!" Binna exclaimed.

@oh-phineas

[oh-phineas]

"I said you could come back- look, it doesn't matter. I didn't want this to turn into a whole weird turf war, but I guess it is," Phineas said testily.

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

"Yeah, I guess it is. And I'm not giving up my turf," said Binna, her feet firmly planted.

TBH, this was not her problem. She hadn't noticed her interviews being affected. So this dude could make whatever videos he wanted! If he had such an issue, he should go somewhere else.

@oh-phineas

[aquata-the-champ]

Vlog With A Dog | Quinna

[aquata-the-champ]

"Isabela Madrigal, but yeah, you can find more info on the website," Aquata said. At least, Aquata was pretty sure she was still running it. Admittedly, Aquata was more tuned-in to the merpeople support group. "Anyway, that's just one example. Someone noticed the town needed something and they took action, and the Board facilitated it. The system doesn't always work that smoothly, but I think it's important for people to know that it can."

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

"I agree. People never talk about the successes. Or, they talk less about them. It becomes more difficult to notice, y'know, like-- if the streets are well-paved, then no one compliments the roads, but if there are potholes, everyone's gonna complain," mentioned Binna.

That kind of psychology made politics basically a thankless job. But Binna still felt drawn to it. Or... at least activism and making things better.

"What about now? Are you involved in anything now or-- what is something you hope the new Board does?"

@aquata-the-champ

[little-vlogger-binna]

Sidewalk Interview || OPEN

[little-vlogger-binna]

"You're the only person finding it disturbing, lady!" Binna exclaimed hotly.

...Oops. But come on! At this point, the lady should just walk away instead of getting so self-righteous!

"I'm telling you, a lot of people want to be on camera. They think my project's cool!"

@vixey-chakraborty

[vixey-chakraborty]

"There is no need to be rude and raise your voice," Vixey said, keeping her voice even. Though, she blinked a little at this girl's aggression. Truly, influencers thought they could just do whatever they wanted. As if the people who were just living their lives were the problem!

"I am just reminding you that this is a public space and it might be better to think before you just approach anyone on the street and ask them personal questions. I think that is just common courtesy."

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

"Yeah, you've already said that. Like, five times now. You can keep repeating yourself all you want but I'm still going to film here," said Binna, an edge still in her voice. "And I haven't had any complaints besides you. As I've said. Like five times."

See, sometimes - this was when Binna wished it was socially appropriate to bite people!

@vixey-chakraborty

[little-vlogger-binna]

Sidewalk Interview || OPEN

[kouros-herc]

"Oh, I mean, I was always cool with magic-" Hercules said hurriedly (maybe too hurriedly, but he didn't want this young lady thinking he was some kind of anti-magick guy who'd only learned to be better through being in Swynlake! He was ... his case was a little different). "But I guess where I grew up, you didn't see it so openly, or so celebrated. You didn't see how hard some magicks have it."

At least he could hide in plain sight. Others? Others just had to constantly put up with the prejudice.

"So I guess it's helped me learn not to judge, anyone. But also the sense of community is very different. I didn't really have that in London, so it's taught me to see things kind of differently. I felt like I didn't belong, at first."

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

"Oh yeah, I felt something similar! Well -- I'm from New York City," she supplied. These interviews usually went better if it felt more like a conversation anyway and so it was fair to tell her guest something about her too.

"I think the nice thing about big cities is that there are so many kinds of people, you can definitely find your niche. But it can be hard too, like -- really hard."

And what do you do when your niche was the rat family at 14th Street and Union Square...?

"Swynlake, I feel like it's easy to find that niche! Or, I dunno, maybe there aren't as many groups -- people are more accepting, like you said."

@kouros-herc

[little-vlogger-binna]

Sidewalk Interview || OPEN

[oh-phineas]

Yeah, Phineas was not tough like that. But he was starting to get tired of arguing like this. "Dude, I'm trying to give you a compromise here," he groaned.

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

"What was the compromise? You just want me to leave!" Binna exclaimed.

@oh-phineas

[waitingona-mirabel]

This Is Me Swallowing My Pride | Binnabel

[waitingona-mirabel]

Mirabel's family had been through a lot. But one thing they'd never faced was fear of losing their way of life for being open about their magic. They'd always lived in places full of magic. So Mirabel just didn't know what it was like to have to hide.

Well- not when it came to magic. But she knew what it was like to hide other things. To keep quiet because you didn't want to make waves or cause problems for your family.

"I'm glad you told me!" Mirabel said. "And it is about you, at least part of it is. It puts a lot of things in perspective, honestly. I mean, now I really get why you said I sounded like your dad."

She looked down at her shoes. Yup, she still remembered that. Vividly.

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

"Ugh, oh god!" Binna groaned and slapped a hand over her face dramatically. "Don't remind me I said that! Ugh, I'm so sorry - you didn't deserve that at all."

And then her hand fell down and reached for Mirabel's.

It was yet another instinct. Like how squirrels knew to bury their acorns and bees knew to spread pollen from flower to flower. Maybe reaching for Mirabel hadn't always been ingrained. But in just a few months -- she'd become part of Binna's pack.

When she realized what she'd done, she blushed and her hand darted back, like a mouse darting for cover.

"Sorry," she blurted. "Sorry, uh-- habit."

@waitingona-mirabel

[aquata-the-champ]

Vlog With A Dog | Quinna

[aquata-the-champ]

This was starting to sound a little less hypothetical...

Or hey- maybe it was. Maybe Binna just wanted this information for her viewers. Aquata knew what it was like to have to hide your magic for whatever reason, so she wasn't going to try to push Binna to say something she clearly didn't want to say.

"Uh- I think so, yeah. I think if anyone's concerned about that, it's probably best to double check with the organizer of the group. But even just if someone would be worried about being seen going to and from the group— there are all kinds of reasons to be in town hall. I'd definitely cover for them, and I'm sure others would, too."

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

Yup, this definitely was not hypothetical anymore.

Binna was still nervous. Would she even be allowed? Would she count? That was something she thought about constantly -- her 25%, a failing grade by America's schooling system standards, even if her brain she knew that was a dumb way to look at magic. She definitely counted! She could talk to animals and feel what they felt!

And yet, there was always that nagging doubt that Binna didn't belong. She hadn't lived a true magick life and so she hadn't...earned it.

"Right! Uh-- who is the organizer, by the way? Or is that just like, on the town hall website?"

@aquata-the-champ

[little-vlogger-binna]

Sidewalk Interview || OPEN

[vixey-chakraborty]

"Well, it is a public place and you're disturbing the peace," Vixey shot back, ruffled now that the girl was catching an attitude with her. She dropped the friendly act.

"You kids think you can just go around filming things and asking people whatever you want, but that isn't how it works. I should be able to take a walk without having a camera waved in my face. It is pretty simple. If you want to interview people, you can do it somewhere it isn't disturbing everyone else."

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

"You're the only person finding it disturbing, lady!" Binna exclaimed hotly.

...Oops. But come on! At this point, the lady should just walk away instead of getting so self-righteous!

"I'm telling you, a lot of people want to be on camera. They think my project's cool!"

@vixey-chakraborty

[little-vlogger-binna]

Sidewalk Interview || OPEN

[oh-phineas]

"I know I was here first. I would've seen you come in," Phineas argued. Whether or not that was true, he felt sure of it. Anyway, he was in too deep to really give up at this point. He wished he had someone here to back him up. Because he thought he was pretty clearly in the right!

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

"Can you prove that?" Binna argued right on back.

She flipped her hair and stood her ground. Look, she didn't want to get territorial, but she had grown up in NYC. The rats divided themselves into fierce gangs and staked their claim. She'd spent her entire childhood listening to tales of bloody, violent battles for strips of subway and city blocks.

So she was ready to channel her inner rat king. Bring it on.

@oh-phineas

[little-vlogger-binna]

Sidewalk Interview || OPEN

[kouros-herc]

"Uh, well-" Herc stopped to try and think about that, Had it changed much? Maybe? "I guess things have changed, obviously. Different shoppes come and go and people move in or move away and stuff like that, so it is pretty different. But I don't know that it feels very different, not to me anyway. I think I feel different though," he thought out loud. Some things had changed. When he came there, Swynlake had been too quiet, too small, he hadn't felt like he belonged at all. Now... it was different. Now he saw the beauty in the quiet, found peace in the wilderness on their doorstop.

@little-vlogger-binna

[little-vlogger-binna]

Oooo. That was such an interesting and honest answer. A brave answer, Binna amended in her mind. Because that's what honesty was, especially when shared with a stranger.

Her smile grew. "Yeah? How do you think Swynlake changed you then? Like, have your opinions changed on magicks or...you've learned new lessons or...?"

@kouros-herc